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Lights and Shadows 



Army L 



RMY i^IFE: 



OR, 



Pen Pictures from the Battlefield, the Camp, 
and the Hospital. 

By rev. Wv W. LYLE, A. M., 

CHAPLAIN ELEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. I., U. S. A. 




SECOND EDITION. 




CINCINNATI: 
R. W. CARROLL & CO., Publishers, 

73 WEST FOURTH STREET, 



OPERA-HOUSE BUILDING. 



1865. 



CONTENTS. 



PAOE 

Preface ix 

CHAPTER I. 

Introductory — God and our Country — Interest in our Volun- 
teers — First Impressions 9 

CHAPTER II. 

Slavery and the Rebellion — Organization of a Regimental 
Church 22 

CHAPTER III. 

Gauley Bridge, Western Virginia — General Cox at Flat-top — 
Hospital Scenes 40 

CHAPTER IV. 

Angels in the Hospital — Woman's Work — A Remarkable 
Death-bed 62 

CHAPTER V. 
Flowers for the Sick — A Joke at the Chaplain's Expense.... 78 

CHAPTER VI. 

"What is a Woman Worth? " — Soldier Mechanics — Pack's 
Ferry 84 

CHAPTER VII. 

Changes — Sacramental Services — Battle at Bull Run — Fight 
at Frederick City, Md 103 

(v) 



71 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

PAGH 

Battle of South Mountain — Bravery of the Twenty-third Ohio 
Regiment — Incidents of the Field 123 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Ideal and the Actual of War — "My Brother, my 
Brother!" — Woman's Love and Sympathy 140 

CHAPTER X. 

Battle of Antietam — Heroic Bravery — The Stone Bridge — 
Death of Colonel Coleman — Treachery or Cowardice 147 

CHAPTER XL 

A Gleam of Sunshine — The Dying Soldier and his Bible — 
The Loved One Remembered in Death 164 

CHAPTER XII. 

Divine Service on the Field — Religious Comfort in the Hour of 
Battle 174 

CHAPTER XIII. 

A Terrible March — Soldiers' Prayers and a General's Purga- 
tory — Political versus Military Strategy 181 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Cold Knob — Bravery and Endurance — Rebels Caught Nap- 
ping 190 

CHAPTER XV. 
AtSummerville — Religious Interests — The Prodigal's Return. 199 

CHAPTER XVI. 
The Soldier's Last Resting-place — Reveries in a Graveyard.... 209. 

CHAPTER XVII. 
"Little Shady"— Beauties of Slavery 220 



CONTENTS. Vll 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

PAGE 

The Army of the Cumberland — Rebels in Front, Meaner Rebels 
in Rear — Soldiers' Resolutions 225 

CHAPTER XIX. 

A Kidnapper Frustrated — Tribute to a Christian Soldier — 
"Gottesacker " — Posterity and our Military Cemeteries... 23G 

CHAPTER XX. 
A Beautiful and Impressive Scene — Living Water 249 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Hoover^s Gap — Very Romantic — Hydropathy, Mutton, and 
Conscience — A Brave Chaplain 257 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Rosecrans's Strategy — Crossing Lookout — Perilous Position 
of the Army 276 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Battle of Chickamauga — Religious Services oh the Field — 
Turchin's Brigade — Cut Through or Surrender 286 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Wildoi-'s Brigade and Longstreet's Veterans — Frightened Cor- 
resijoudeuts — God's Providence 307 

CHAPTER XXV. 

War is Dreadful — Brighter Days for our Country — Name- 
less Crimes — Irish Chivalry — "In de Cane-brake." 316 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Incidents of the Field— The "Old Flag yet!"— Letter from 
a ChrLstiau Soldier — An Adroit Movement 328 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

PAGE 

Secrets of Slavery — White Slaves — The Poor Whites — New 
Application of Scripture 341 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Dying Soldiers Dream of Home — The Sentinel — Life a 
Battle 354 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Rebel Barbarities — National Cemetery at Chattanooga — 
Courage and Generosity 372 

Appkndix 391 



PREFACE. 



It is said tliat a preface is seldom read. From this it 
has been inferred that it is unnecessary to write one. Some 
literary oracles have even gone further, and asserted that 
it is a violation of good taste to detain the reader at the 
threshold of a book, and compel him to endure several 
pages of prefatory explanations, which, at the best, are but 
covert egotisms, when, it is to be presumed, he is desirous 
of entering at once upon the work of examining the book 
itself. Others, with equal authority, declare that a proper 
regard for the claims of etiquette demands that strangers 
be introduced to each other by a third party, and that the 
same rule holds good in the literary world. Whatever 
opinion may be adopted on this not very important ques- 
tion, the general practice seems to be in favor of the time- 
honored custom of making at least a bow to the reader 
before thrusting upon his attention the full contents of a 
volume. It is generally safe, in matters of mere etiquette, 
to follow established customs. In the present instance it 
is considered not only safe, but necessary. 

A few sentences will comprise all that need be said in 
this prefatory note. 

And, first, the book is not a history of the war ; it makes 
no such pretensions. Even in the brief sketches given of 
several severe battles, such as South Mountain, Antietam, 
Chickamauga, etc., no attempt is made at elaborate details. 
The sketches themselves are merely outline pictures, with 



X PKEFACE. 

here and tlicre some scene of tonching pathos, a bright 
hcam of sunshine, perhaps, against a dark background, 
or some humorous incident reproduced, and thrown in, by 
way of relief, to some somber shadows. It is believed 
that, however rough the outlines may be, they are faith- 
fully and correctly sketched. More accomplished artists 
may glance at such outlines, drawn, as they have been, 
amid the excitements and dangers of the camp and field, 
and which have been traced by those who mingled in the 
scenes described; they may correct all the erratic lines of 
the humble sketchers, fill in where there were only un- 
meaning blanks, finish what was unfinished and imperfect, 
and leave, for the admiration and safe-keeping of future 
generations, critically correct and elaborately finished pic- 
tures, that will live and be admired ages after such humble 
sketches as the following will have been buried beneath 
the waves of oblivion. 

However imperfectly the work of tracing the Lights 
AND Shadows of Akmy Life may have been done, it has 
been a labor of love. Undertaken at the repeated and 
urgent solicitation of friends, both in and out of the army, 
it has been prosecuted with a twofold purpose, namely, to 
pay an humble tribute to the bravery, integrity, and 
moral worth of our patriot heroes, and bring before the 
Christian public facts connected with the religious experi- 
ences of our soldiers in the field, and place upon record 
facts and incidents which testify to the saving power of 
the Gospel. Other and abler pens have given thrilling- 
narratives of the devotion, zeal, unflinching courage, and 
heroic endurance of our brave defenders, and others will 
yet be employed in the same noble work. While the 
author has by no means ignored such a worthy theme, 
but has recorded, in the following pages, numerous inci- 
dents of bravery and endurance, he has sought, at the 



PREFACE. xi 

same time, to bring out, in bold relief, tbe less imposing, 
but not less important and interesting, facts connected with 
the living and dying of our patriot heroes. Nearly 
three years' service in the army, both East and West, af- 
forded ample opportunities to notice the fruits of religious 
culture and eflfort upon the soldier, whether he was resting 
in camp, or was on the long, weary march ; amid the dread 
scenes of the battlefield, or in the wards of the hospital. 
While the author, therefore, has grouped together inci- 
dents of the camp, or sketched tragic scenes and heroic 
deeds on the battlefield, given here or there some humor- 
ous occurrences, or traced some army movements, he has 
endeavored to keep steadily in view the moral and re- 
ligious elements connected with the army. The saving 
power of the Gospel of the Son of God, the strength 
which is imparted to the heart of man, through faith in 
our Lord Jesus Christ, and which buoys him up amid the 
most trying and terrific earthly scenes — the cheering in- 
fluences of religious hope and trust in the hour of sick- 
ness, and amid heart longings and loneliness, together with 
the glorious triumphs of the believing soul in the hour 
of death, have all been exemplified in the army; and the 
following pages have been primarily devoted to the re- 
cording of such facts and incidents as illustrate these 
truths. 

To all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, and who labor 
and pray for the salvation of the world; to all whose 
hearts thrill with patriotic ardor and devotion at the sight 
of that dear old flag — dearer now than ever, because 
stained with the life-blood of Freedom's martyrs — and 
which is the emblem of peace to " men of good will," and 
the emblem of liberty to the oppressed of all nations ; 
to all who love and honor the memories of our fallen 
heroes, and who treat with respect and honor our living 



xii PREFACE. 

defenders ; to all wlio labor, by word and deed, in behalf 
of our beloved country ; to all who are willing to make 
every sacrifice in order to hand down to coming genera- 
tions an unbroken, unimpaired, and untarnished heritage 
of freedom; to the weeping fathers and mothers and wives 
and children of those who have fallen in battle, and to 
the noble women of the land, who have labored so hero- 
ically and perseveringly to sustain the thrice-blessed Sani- 
tary and Christian Commissions — to all such does the au- 
thor humbly commend this unpretending volume, with the 
prayer that it may not only interest, but instruct and 
comfort, every reader. 

Note. — A word, by way of explanation, relative to some features 
of a local character connected with the volume. In order to re- 
lieve the book from any undue prominence of merely local, or 
rather, regimental interest, and yet weave into the general narra- 
tive outline sketches of regimental history, the author, at the sug- 
gestion of friends in whose wisdom he could trust, has simply 
noted matters of general interest connected with the history and 
movements of the Eleventh Ohio Regiment, of which he had the 
honor of being chajjlain, and thrown into an appendix items of in- 
terest to those who had friends in the regiment. To the friends 
of those connected with the Eleventh it will be an interesting 
feature of this work. The intention was to give an abi'idged 
history of the regiment proper, but this was found to be imprac- 
ticable. A list of those killed in battle or who died of wounds 
or disease is given. The author has spared no pains to make it as 
reliable and interesting as possible. 



figljts M)i Sljaktos of %x\\q lift 



CHAPTER I. 

Star-spangled Banner I the Flag of our pride ! 
Though trampled by traitors and basely defied, 
Fling out to the glad winds your Red, White, and Blue, 
For the heart of the Northland is beating for you ! 
And her strong arm is nerving to strike with a will, 
Till the foe and his boastings are humbled and still ! 
Here's welcome to wounding and combat and scars, 
And the glory of death — for the Stripes and the Stars ! 

From prairie, plowman ! speed boldly away— 
There 's seed to be sown in God's furrows to-day I 
Row landward, lone fisher 1 stout woodman, come home I 
Let smith leave his anvil, and weaver his loom, 
And hamlet and city ring loud with the cry, 
"For God and our country we'll fight till we die! 
Here's welcome to wounding and combat and scars. 
And the glory of death — for the Stripes and the Stars ! " 

E. D. Proctor. 

Introductory. 

In all ages of the world the military hero has been 
applauded, his name recorded in history, and his deeds 
celebrated in song. The chisel of the sculptor, the 
pencil of the painter, the harp of the minstrel, and 
the pen of the historian have vied with each other 



10 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

in paying honors to his genius and in eulogizing his 
bravery. While the more prominent or more fortu- 
nate of those who have he>Yecl "with their swords a 
pathway to fame have been thus immortalized by his- 
tory and art, the humble ballad literature of various 
nations, distinguished more for its chivalrous spirit 
and adaptation to the necessities of a rude age, than 
for its elegance of diction or literary taste, has em- 
balmed, in rustic song or simple melody, the memories 
of less noted, but no less honorable, heroes of humbler 
name. 

Many of those thus honored, however, although 
brave in personal daring, and great in military genius, 
neither drew their swords in defense of human rights, 
nor lived nor labored for the benefit of their fellow- 
men. While they cut their way to a niche in the 
temple of fiime, or to the crown and scepter of impe- 
rial honor and power, it was over the prostrate forms 
of those whom they had robbed of their rights ; and 
they drove their chariot-Avheels over the mangled bod- 
ies of unnumbered slain, and amid the smouldering 
ruins of peaceful homes, while the music to which 
they kept step in their career of conquest were the 
groans of anguished hearts, and the agonizing cries 
of the wounded and the dying. A selfish ambition — 
a cruel, devouring lust for power and dominion — gov- 
erned them in all the plans they formed and in all 
the battles they fought ; and they considered no de- 
struction of human life or happiness too costly a sac- 
rifice to make in order to secure the coveted prize. 
Thus they lived and planned and fought, not to bless, 
but to curse mankind. Around their names and deeds 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 11 

have been thrown those seductive charms ^vhich un- 
hallowed Genius so frequently creates, and with which 
she seeks to conceal the profligacy and tyranny of 
wicked men ; but Time has lifted the gorgeous drapery, 
and revealed the so-called heroes of ancient and mod- 
ern times in all their moral leprosy and deformity. 

But there have been true heroes, nevertheless. 
There have been pure-hearted patriots, who have toiled 
nobly for their country — brave defenders of human 
liberty, who have bared their bosoms to the tyrant's 
sword, rather than permit his chains to be placed on 
their own or their children's limbs — noble, devoted 
adherents of righteousness and truth, who, with the 
Bible in one hand and the sword in the other, have at 
once sought to maintain inviolate the sacred principles 
of civil and religious liberty, and to strike down, if 
need be, the assailants of either the one or the other. 
True, their names and noble deeds have not always 
been recorded in history, or celebrated in song. Yea, 
rather, many of the bravest and best of such heroes 
have been stigmatized as the basest of men ; their mo- 
tives have been impugned, and their noblest deeds de- 
nounced, while their memories have been loaded down 
with reproach, and their names pronounced Avith scorn 
and derision. But the same hand that has torn away 
the gilded, gaudy drapery with which kingly tyrants 
and imperial robbers have been invested, has also re- 
moved the stigma and reproach that the foul hand 
of Wrong had sought to fasten upon the memories of 
the truly good and great; and to-day, more than at 
any previous era of the world's history, are the noble 
deeds, the patient endurance, the spotless integrity, 



12 LIGHTS AND -.SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

and the deathless devotion to principle of such heroes 
better understood and more fully appreciated. The 
efforts Avhich we, as a people, have put forth, as well 
as the sacrifices we have made in order to subdue a 
rebellion, the foulest in spirit and design the world 
has ever seen, have led us to a clearer understanding 
and appreciation of the worth of the world's unhon- 
ored heroes. We have learned, in a most practical 
and impressive manner, that a nation's safety or the 
interests of humanity rest not in the hands of a fa- 
vored few, whose claims for superiority are constantly 
urged, but in the pure, brave hearts and strong hands 
of the toiling many. 

The history of the war for the preservation of the 
Union is a record of personal bravery and self-sac- 
rificing devotion, on the part of the loyal men and 
women of the nation, to which history furnishes no 
parallel. During these years of bloodshed and strife, 
our cities and hamlets and rural abodes — the luxurious 
dwellings of the city merchants, and the log-cabins of 
our frontier farmers — have sent forth as heroic men 
as ever drew sword; and they have furnished as illus- 
trious examples of womanly tenderness, affection, and 
love, blended with the truly heroic in self-sacrificing 
devotion and patient endurance, as the world has ever 
seen. No monumental brass or marble will ever re-- 
ceive for safe-keeping the names of all the heroes 
and heroines of this mighty struggle for freedom ; 
neither will the historian's stately periods nor the 
poet's touching lyrics hand down to posterity the' 
records of their noble deeds, or the requiems sung 
over their honored graves. The richly carved, storied 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 13 

urn may be costly unci beautiful, but it will be broken 
in pieces and buried in the dust. The "ever-during 
brass " may be elaborately finished, and the names of 
the illustrious dead deeply engraven upon it, but it 
will corrode and waste away. The stately monu- 
mental marble may be solid in structure and imposing 
in appearance, but it, too, will crumble and decay. 
The historian's records may be just, and the poet's 
songs may be sweet, but they will all be marred by 
the fingers of hoary Time. But good thoughts and 
noble deeds never die. Like their authors, they are 
immortal. They go marching down the ages with 
stately, steady tread, elevating and ennobling succes- 
sive generations, and moving forward the shadows on 
the dial-plate of human destiny, long after the bosoms 
that gave them birth are buried beneath Oblivion's 
wave. The noblest monument that will ever be reared 
to the honor of our heroes in the field and our heroines 
at home, who have acted so nobly and endured so pa- 
tiently, will be a free, happy, redeemed country ; and 
the sweetest songs that will be sung in their praise will 
be the jubilee anthems of earth's disenthralled sons 
and daughters — anthems which will yet be heard on 
every shore ; for every nation under heaven will be 
brought under the influence, and share in the benefits 
of the present struggle for Liberty, Righteousness, and 
Truth. 

The simple sketches which follow will show the reader 
how some of our noble heroes live, and they will also 
show how some of them have died on the battlefield 
and in the hospital. 



14 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

God AND OUR Country. 

On a bright, beautiful Sabbath in Ajiril, 18G1, there 
met in the Frankhn Street Presbyterian Church, Troy, 
Ohio, as sad and yet as brave and hopeful a congrega- 
tion as perhaps ever met, or ever "will again meet, 
within those walls. Fathers and mothers, wives and 
children, had come together to join in farewell religious 
services with loved ones who had promptly answered 
to their country's call, and who, on the morrow, were 
to depart for that dark field of strife on which were 
marshaled the armed legions of a wicked and causeless 
rebellion. The Star-spangled Banner was unfurled, and 
hung in graceful folds from the pulpit ; and that flag, 
always beautiful in the eyes of every true American, 
and ever dear to his heart, never seemed so beautiful 
nor SO precious as at that moment. During the pre- 
vious night, and the greater part of this sacred day, 
the rooms attached to the church had been filled Avith 
ladies, busy at work preparing lint and bandages, and 
other articles considered necessary for the soldier ; and 
it will ever be remembered as one of the strange yet 
significant facts connected with the history of this war, 
that the click of busy sewing-machines, and the hum 
of voices that tell of earnest labor, mingled on that 
hallowed day with the sacred songs of the sanctuary. 
The electric wires had flashed the news all over the 
land that the Star of the West had been fired into. 
Fort Sumter bombarded, and the national flag trailed 
in the dust by traitor hands. The blood of Massa- 
chusetts' freemen had stained the streets of Balti- 
more, and it had been declared by rebel mobs and 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 15 

by traitorous legislators that troops rushing to the de- 
fense of the National Capital would not be permitted 
to tread the soil of Maryland. The whole country was 
excited. Conflicting emotions swayed the public mind. 
Some were in fear and sadness, and could only ask, 
What next? Others were bitterly indignant, and called 
only for speedy and condign vengeance on the heads 
of traitors, while all the truly loyal and brave breathed 
but one determination — that, with the blessing of God, 
the foul rebellion must be quelled, and the Union be 
preserved, at whatever cost of treasure and blood. 

The meeting on this peaceful Sabbath, in the sanc- 
tuary of God, was but one of thousands such held all 
over the land, and was significant as showing the ele- 
ments of religious hope and trust that, from the com- 
mencement of the war, have entered so largely, and 
marked so distinctly, the patriotism of the loyal North. 
Addresses of thrilling earnestness and lofty patriotism 
were delivered by the llev. W. M. Cheever, of the 
Franklin Street Presbyterian Church, the Rev. J. J. 
Thompson, of the M. E. Church, and others, after 
which a copy of the New Testament was presented to 
each volunteer, in the name of the Troy Female Bible 
Society. As the sacred volumes were being distributed, 
and words of cheer spoken to each recipient, a feel- 
ing of deep solemnity pervaded the entire assembly, 
and the language of every one seemed to be, " Our 
TRUST IS IN God ! " The entire services were of such 
a deeply interesting character, while the surrounding 
circumstances were so thrillingly impressive, that no 
one could possibly be an indifierent spectator. That 
meeting will never be forgotten, especially by those 



IG LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

for whose special comfort and encouragement it was 
held. 

The volunteers present at this meeting were two 
companies raised by Captain J. V. Curtis and Cap- 
tain J. C. Drury, subsequently known as Companies 
D and H of the Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry. Little did the writer of these pages think, as 
he gazed upon those brave, patriotic men, and joined 
with others in speaking words of cheer to them, that 
in a few short months he would be with them on the 
tented field, and sharing with them their perils and 
privations. Still less did he think that three years 
and three months would roll round ere they would 
return to their homes ; and that, even then, war's fierce 
tumults would still be raging in the land, and the 
wicked pro-slavery rebellion still be showing its de- 
fiant front. But, so it is. In peace as well as in 
war — with nations as well as with individuals — we 
know not what the future may develop; neither can 
we tell what strange positions we may occupy, nor by 
what unexpected and unwonted circumstances we may 
be surrounded. 

I have mentioned this little incident as a fitting in- 
troduction to the pen-pictures of the following pages, 
thinking that no apology is needed for bringing be- 
fore the reader the fixct that the noble Eleventh Ohio, 
as well as other regiments, went forth to fight for 
home and country, for liberty and truth, with the 
dearest and holiest remembrances and associations of 
the sanctuary of God, and with the prayers and bless- 
ings of Christian patriots. 

A few months rolled past. The three-months' serv- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 17 

ice had been finished, the regiment reorganized and 
mustered in for three years. The first Kanawha cam- 
paign had been accomplished, and Floyd and Wise 
driven from the Valley, and the Eleventh had come 
down the Kanawha River to Point Pleasant, and were 
in winter quarters, when the author of these pages 
was surpris(!d by the announcement that he had been 
appointed chaplain of the regiment. A week or so 
thereafter found him, for the first time, on the sacred 
soil — or, rather, m the sacred mud — of Virginia, and, 
for the first time, within the army lines. 

After reporting for duty, the first official w^ork I 
performed was visiting the hospital. The immediate 
result of the first visit Avas the entire change of pre- 
conceived opinions relative to military hospitals in 
general, and of regimental hospitals in particular. I 
had pictured to myself dreary, hopeless, repulsive 
scenes, such as I had read of in the published corre- 
spondence from the French and English armies in the 
Crimea, and imagined that, even at the very best, our 
sick and wounded soldiers must necessarily be partially 
neglected, and their wants unsupplied. War, too, it 
has been stated, had an indurating efl'ect on the human 
heart, and that the camp was only a school of vice and 
immorality, and that, therefore, an indifierence to the 
sufferino-s and necessities of others would be the in- 
evitable result of such influences as surround the sol- 
dier. But although not adopting the whole of such 
gloomy vicAvs of army life and experiences, I was not 
prepared for a scene so entirely the reverse of what 
I had anticipated. Every ward in the hospital was 
scrupulously clean, every cot was neatly arranged, the 
2 



18 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

patients looked quite comfortable and cheerful, and I 
noticed that the hospital attendants were kind and at- 
tentive. Dr. Hartman, as brave and generous a man 
as ever entered a hospitable, and who, during the three 
years he was in the army, did more for the comfort of 
the soldier than many surgeons in shoulder-straps, and 
that, too, while drawing only the pay of a* private sol- 
dier, was acting as warden. 

Although the exigencies and necessities of several 
active campaigns have shown me some hospital scenes 
very different from this, I have never had occasion to 
change the opinions then formed of the general man- 
ner in which our brave soldiers were cared for when 
sick or wounded. That blessed institution, the Chris- 
tian Commission, with its noble band of laborers, and 
its generous supplies of good things for soul and body, 
was not then in existence. The Sanitary Commission, 
too, was but in its infancy, and Government supplies 
alone were depended upon in attending to the wants 
of our sick and wounded soldiers. If at that time, and 
under such circumstances, they were comparatively so 
comfortable, any one can form an idea of their im- 
proved condition under the auspices of these twin in- 
stitutions of patriotism and Christian beneficence. If 
the writer had a hundred voices, he Avould employ them 
in urging upon the attention and fostering care of 
every man and woman in the land the claims of the 
Christian Commission, knowing, as he does, from ex- 
perience in the field and in the hospital, how much 
good it has accomplished and is still accomplishing in 
the army. 



lights and shadows of army life. 19 

First Impressions. 

The siglit of a large multitude is always interesting 
and impressive. This is true, whether in civil or mili- 
tary life. The spectator, however, is often swayed by 
very different and even conflicting emotions; for the 
opinions he may form concerning such a spectacle, as 
well as the impulses or feelings it may awaken in his 
heart, will be in accordance with the views he enter- 
tains, exalted or otherwise, concerning human duty and 
destiny. The motives by which he is actuated in min- 
gling with his fellow-men, and especially Avith those 
who are brought into close nnd important relationships, 
will also have a decided influence upon his opinions of 
their individual or aggregate value, as well as upon the 
manner in which he acts toward them. 

The politician, for example, looks upon them as so 
many of " The People," who must be reasoned with, 
cajoled, hoodwinked, flattered, or bullied into some po- 
litical scheme. The political economist looks upon 
them as so many consumers as well as producers of 
the necessaries of life, and who will increase or dimin- 
ish the resources of government according to their in- 
dividual and aggregate intelligence and industry. The 
patient plodder in dry, matter-of-fact statistics looks 
upon them as so many breathing numerals, increasing 
in a certain ratio not very clearly defined, and which 
are to be considered valuable only as supporting some 
scientific theories. He delights not so much in the in- 
dividual or aggregate value of the living numerals as 
their dumb representatives on the census returns; for 
he can exultantly refer to the figures on the tables in 



20 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

support of Ill's theories, for figures, like facts, are 
stubborn things, and will not lie. The man of busy 
wheels, spindles, looms, cranks, and levers, looks upon 
them as so many living "hands" with brains to think, 
and Avhose principal responsibilities during one-half of 
their time is to work with or control the movements 
of brainless hands of brass and steel. The profes- 
sional warrior, like an Alexander or a Napoleon, looks 
upon a multitude of men as so many individual forces 
which may be combined — so many nerves and muscles 
that may be equipped, drilled, and disciplined, and 
whom, for his own glory, he will lead forth and dash 
upon similar battalions of living, thinking beings, or 
hurl in impetuous storms upon yawning embrasure or 
bristling earth-work. The Christian, on the other hand, 
not forgetful of man's earthly relations, duties or ne- 
cessities, but with feelings of deep interest and Christ- 
like love, looks upon them as so many precious immor- 
tals, for whom the Savior suifered and died, and who 
have to Avork out the great problem of human duty 
and destiny. lie looks upon them as heirs of im- 
mortality, who will never scale the hights or fathom 
the depths of their own spiritual capacities, nor reach 
the boundary line of their own existence ; as so many 
individuals, around each of whom are clustering re- 
sponsibilities and duties, sympathies and emotions, that 
will seal and settle forever the destiny of each, and 
raise to the high position and glorious enjoyment of 
heaven, or sink to the dishonor and despair of hell. 

On many occasions, I have seen immense armies, 
either in camp, where the white tents, gleaming in the 
summer's sun, looked like a dream of fairy-land, or 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 21 

on the march, when it seemed as if a nation were on 
a pilgrimage. And I have seen the same armies as 
they rushed on to battle, when the ground shook with 
the tramp of armed men, the roar of cannon, and the 
sharp rattle of musketry, and when it seemed as if 
the very heavens were filled with shrieking demons of 
death and destruction, in the shape of shot and shell. 
And, Avhether reposing quietly in camp, on the weary 
march, or amid the perils and excitements of battle, 
I always experienced solemn and even sad emotions 
when contemplating such masses of men ; not that I 
ever had a doubt in regard to the righteousness of the 
cause in which we were engaged — not that I enter- 
tained any fear regarding the final result of the strug- 
gle — but because of the all-important questions per- 
taining to the eternal interests of each individual soul. 
There is something fearfully solemn connected with 
such questions wdien applied to one human being ; but 
when thousands and tens of thousands of deathless 
spirits are placed before us, and we try to grasp as it 
Avere the infinite aggregate of hope and fear, pleasure 
and pain, glory and despair, life and death, undying 
energies, immortal appetites and capacities, and unsat- 
isfied lonirinirs, we sink beneath the rushino; tide-wave 
of our own aroused emotions, and can only exclaim, 
" Who is sufficient for these things ! " 

Add to all these the peculiar circumstances con- 
nected with army life, and it will soon be apparent 
that the responsibility attaching to those who go forth 
to labor for the moral and spiritual welfare of the sol- 
dier are of the most solemn and important character. 
It is no trifling matter to preach Christ and salvation 



22 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

anywhere, and under any circumstances; but to do so 
in the army, among those who arc not only away from 
the temporal comforts and the social and religious 
privileges of home, and who are always exposed to 
danger and death, the sacred responsibilities connected 
with such work are seen to be vastly increased. 
These, and other matters that might be named, are 
what make a chaplain's position at once honorable 
and responsible. It is but anticipating what may be 
referred to in the following pages to state, that on ad- 
dressing the regiment, for the first time, as it was 
drawn up in line, I felt that if the Grace of God, the 
Wisdom that cometh down from above, were needed for 
wxak man to guide him in efforts to do good, especially 
among those who had nobly laid their all upon their 
country's altar, that was the hour, and those were the 
circumstances when such was specially needed. 

As an evidence of the kind interest felt in the spirit- 
ual welfare of the soldiers in the field, as well as a 
record of the encouragement given to laborers in the 
army, the following incident is recorded. 

A large meeting of the Sabbath-school children and 
their friends was held in Troy, to participate with the 
Band of Hope, in a Bible presentation. Mrs. Lizzie 
James, in behalf of the children, presented a beautiful 
Bible, on which was a suitable inscription. The fol- 
lowing was the address she made on the occasion : 

"No fact more strongly marks the fearful war which is now 
upon us than the unity of purpose on the part of our soldiers 
in the field, and of friends at home. Very many and varied 
are the good things prepared by loving hands at home, for the 
comfort of dear ones far away in the camp, or in the field, and 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 23 

we all take an interest in the good work which our mothers 
and sisters are engaged in, for the benefit of our dear fathers 
and brothers in the army. In token of our love for the sol- 
dier, the Band of Hope have directed me, to-day, to present 
their offering for the noble Eleventh Eegiment. Though onr 
offering is of but little pecuniary value, yet it is a priceless 
treasure — the richest ever presented to man. We rejoice to 
know that many of the Eleventh Regiment are Christians; 
and we feel assui'ed, therefore, of the appropriateness of our 
oflering. 

"Chaplain Lyle, in placing this volume in your hands, we 
are more than glad that you are chaplain of our own Elev- 
enth. Take this Blessed Volume — this Chart of Life — and pre- 
sent from it to your soldier Christians things both new and 
old. May its lessons, as you shall dispense them, from time 
to time, comfort and sustain the tried and tempted, encourage 
the penitent, awaken the careless ; and, with the attendant 
blessing of the Divine Spirit, may every member of your regi- 
ment be presented perfect in Christ Jesus. Our most fervent 
prayers shall rise before God that your ministrations may be 
abundantly blessed — that the dying soldier taught therefrom, 
whether breathing out his life in the hospital or on the battle- 
field, may triumphantly say: 'But thanks be to God, who 
giveth the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ ! ' and, at 
last, greet you, their chaplain, where men learn war no more. 
Take this Book, this Word of the Lord, and bear it to your 
gallant men from the Ti'oy Band of Hope." 



CHAPTER II. 

SLAVERY AND THE REBELLION — A SOLDIER's OPINION OF THE ISSUE — - 
ORGANIZATION OP A REGIMENTAL CHURCH, ETC. 

What gives the wheat field blades of steel? 

What points the rebel cannon? 
What sets the roaring rabble's heel 
On the old star-spangled pennon? 
What breaks the oath of the men of the South? 
What whets the knife for the Union's life? 

Hark to the answer — Slavery I Whittier. 

It is a well-known fact that, when the rebellion first 
threatened the overthrow of the country, and it was 
distinctly affirmed by rebel leaders that slavery Avas to 
be the corner-stone of the Southern Confederacy, and, 
indeed, was the prime moving cause of the foul con- 
spiracy, the masses of the loyal people were slow to 
believe that the institution of slavery was, in any im- 
portant respect, connected with the rebellion. They 
Avere equally oblivious to the fact that to deal death- 
blows upon the one, was to insure the destruction of 
the other. And so very anxious Avere many of the po- 
litical and military leaders to convince slaveholding 
rebels tliat the Government had no intention of inter- 
fering Avith the institution of slavery, that declara- 
tions Avere made, officially and otherAvise, that any such 
interference Avould not be tolerated; and that, in the 
(24) ■ 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 25 

event of any uprising of tlie slaves against their mas- 
ters, the -whole strength of the Federal army would 
be brought to bear upon such demonstrations so as 
to crush them; and further, that fugitive slaves from 
the rebel lines would invariably be sent back. In 
strict accordance with such a policy, books or tracts 
sent to the soldiers by private parties, or by public 
societies, known as reformatory, were carefully ex- 
auiiued, lest any anti-slavery sentiinents should be 
propagated in tlie army, and sectional feelings or 
issues introduced into military circles. Many chap- 
lains, in their religious exercises, carefully ignored 
the existence of the agitating subject, or gave it. a 
wide berth, when they accidentally drifted in that 
direction ; while every conceivable plan was adopted 
to cool down the Southern heart, which had been so 
frequently and so terribly " fired up." As an evidence 
of the extent to which this spirit prevailed at the 
commencement of the war, it may just be stated that 
wlien the American Reform Tract and Book Society 
of Cincinnati sent packages of reading matter into 
the army, addressing them to the care of regimental 
chaplains, some of them thouglit that they had been 
grossly insulted, and their respectability and good 
standing in thg army greatly endangered by such 
high-handed impertinence. One chaplain we heard 
of, culled out all the tracts that contained the slight- 
est symptoms of Abolitionism, and deliberately burned 
tliem ; and another, after asking the advice of his col- 
onel, a godless pro-slavery scoffer, disposed of his 
packages in a somewhat similar manner. Others of 
these clerical compromisers were careful to procure 
3 



26 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

tracts and papers from the American Tract Society 
alone. In doing so, there was not the sliglitcst dan- 
ger of meeting with any sentiment likely to disturb 
the most sensitive of pro-slavery consciences ; for, at 
that time, any reference to the " sum of all villainies," 
Ly way of condemnation, would not have received 
the "approbation of all evangelical Christians;" and 
Hence, any such references were carefully excluded. 
It is, perhaps, but just to say, in this connection, that 
in this year of grace. Eighteen hundred and sixty -five, 
after the lessons taught by four years of relentless 
effort on the part of .slaveholding traitors to over- 
throw the institutions of liberty in our beloved coun- 
try, and to roll back the advancing tide-wave of lib- 
erty throughout the world, the position of the Tract 
Society at New York has been considerably modified. 
When the last link of Oppression's chain is broken, 
however, and the nation is redeemed and purified from 
the vile sin of slavery, and the dear old flag floats in 
the breeze from the granite hills of New England to 
the gold-veined mountains of California, and from the 
dark pine-woods of the icy North to the cypress 
swamps and cotton-fields of the sunny South, and the 
dark, thrice-accursed fiend of slavery is forever driven 
from the earth, the claims of this mammoth publishing 
enterprise, for occupying an advanced position on the 
great question of human rights, and as having given 
the Gospel-trumpet no uncertain sound in the darkest 
hour of great moral conflicts, will neither be great in 
themselves, nor reflect honor upon those who urge 
them. 

It is not to be supposed, however, that there were 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 27 

none in the army -who could look beneath the surface 
of things and recognize, at once, the deeply-laid plans 
of wicked men and the rapidly-unfolding purposes of 
a righteous God. In the quarters of the men, at the 
picket-posts, in the hospital, on the march, anywhere 
and everywhere, the question of slavery, as affecting 
the interests of the country, and as having an im- 
portant bearing upon the conduct and issues of the 
war, was freely and frequently discussed. One day, 
while visiting the hospital, one of the sick men called 
my attention to one of the tracts which I had distrib- 
uted a few days before. 
r " Look here, chaplain," said he ; " here 's a tract 
that's chuck-full of good common sense. Don't pre- 
tend nohow to profess much religion, and do n't care 
much about dry, sermon-like tracts ; but this one is 
none of your milk-and-water, tweedle-dee tweedle-dum 
aff"airs, that gives a poor sinner some scorching re- 
proofs for taking a chew of tobacco, or shaking his 
foot in a ball-room, or ripping out some bad gram- 
mar — swear myself sometimes, chaplain — fact — bad 
habit though ! — or finding fault with things that nearly 
every body condemns. There," said he, with emphasis, 
holding up the tract in question, which was : " What 
are we fighting for?" by Rev. J. A. Thome, of Cleve- 
land — "that's the kind of reading the army needs. 
There 's truth in that, I tell you — and we have ail got 
to come to it before the war is ended; and the sooner 
the better. No use dodging any longer. Better face 
the music at once. Just read that page there, chap- 
lain — it 's true as preaching, an' a mighty sight truer 
than some preaching is, too." 



28 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS 0? ARMY LIFE. 

The sentiments whicli were enunciated by the tract 
in question, and which ehcited from the sick sohlier 
such hearty commendation, were the following: 

"Slavery curses the South, the North, the whole 
country. It has, at last, embroiled the nation in a 
destructive civil war. It has set brethren in deadly 
combat with brethren. Already fraternal blood has 
flowed, which never would have been shed but for 
slavery. Alas, more blood must be spilled, hundreds 
and thousands of victims must be sacrificed in this 
terrible fight between brothers ! Slavery is responsi- 
ble for this, and the blood-stained monster must die. 
It can not be suffered to live longer in this Republic, 
to foment another such war ! We fight in vain, un- 
less we aim at the extermination of slavery. 

" We fight for the Flag as the symbol of Liberty 
and Union, and as the aegis of our citizenship through- 
out the ilepublic, whether in Boston or in Charleston, 
in Bangor or in Mobile. We remember that the flag 
w\as not for the first time struck down at Fort Sum- 
ter, was not for the first time outraged by the firing 
on the Star of the West, was not for the first time 
set at naught by the Ordinance of Secession passed 
by the Palmetto State. These were, by no means, the 
first acts of flagrant aggression upon our country's 
flag, and upon the sacred rights its folds shelter. For 
years it has afforded no protection to American citi- 
zens in one-half of the RepubHc. For years it has 
yielded no security to free speech, no guaranty to the 
rights of conscience, no safeguard to the irrepressible 
yearnings of humanity where these have been most 
called for. For years, beneath its witnessing stars, 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 29 

innocent beings have been chained, scourged, driven, 
sohl, and worked like dumb cattle ! Pur years, its 
stripes have blazed over slave marts, slave pens, and 
slave auctions, from Washington City to New Orleans. 
Since this flag has waved at all, it has waved 

O'er the land of the free, 
And the home — of the slave I 

" These are the desecrations that have covered our 
Star-spangled Banner Avith infamy in the sight of 
Christendom, before secession dared to insult it; and 
these are the grievances which ought to have aroused 
the fires of patriotism, and driven us to some form of 
united resistance long ago. These are the outrages 
which, so oft repeated and so tamely suffered, have left 
little for secession to do to our flag that has not al- 
ready been done by slavery. To avenge all these vio- 
lations, therefore, and to raise the flag of freedom 
to its rightful place of undisturbed supremacy, is the 
aim of this ivar. If the flag of freedom goes up, 
that of slavery tmist come doion. We can no longer 
tolerate two flags in this Commonwealth. We can 
allow no further compromise between liberty and chat- 
telism. We can no longer assent that a certain line 
of latitude shall divide this Republic into free and 
slave sections. No ! No ! The flag Ave fight for will 
froAvn upon the soldier Avho, under its folds, swears 
fealty to slavery." 

" As already remarked, the question of slavery, in 
connection Avith the rebellion, Avas noAV being freely 
discussed; and events, taking place almost every day, 
both in miUtary and civil circles, AA'cre tending more 



30 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

and more to increase tlie interest and importance of 
the discussion. General Fremont's memorable order 
regarding the slaves of rebels in arms, declaring them 
free, had electrified the people at home, as well as the 
masses of the soldiers in the field. The President 
had thought proper to interfere with General Fremont 
in his somewhat radical, but really the only wise and 
practical method of dealing with slaveholding rebels, 
and so neutralized the celebrated general order as to 
render it practically null and void. This interference 
of the Executive, perhaps, more than any other cir- 
cumstance, tended, at this time, to attract attention 
to the great question which, sooner or later, must be 
settled ; namely, the policy to be pursued in dealing 
with the slaves of rebels in arms, and, indeed, with 
slavery itself, under any and all circumstances. Then 
Fremont's removal from the Department of the West, 
with all the accompanying cuxumstances, only tended 
to increase, both in political and military circles, the 
interest already felt in this subject. As if to show, 
however, that the entire question Avould, erelong, meet 
with a practical solution — that there was no design 
on the part of the Government to evade the responsi- 
bility of dealing with it in such a manner as to satisfy 
the more timid and conservative, if not the more cour- 
ageous and radical — the President, on the 6th of 
March, sent the celebrated special message to both 
houses of Congress, recommending such legislative 
action as would secure compensation to those who 
should emancipate their slaves — a message Avhich, to 
use a phrase which frequently occurs in it, might be 
well-named as the Initiatory Proclamation of Eman- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 31 

cipation. This was soon followed by a general ordei*, 
published throughout the entire army, as follows : 

" All officers and persons in the military or naval 
service of the United States are prohibited from em- 
ploying any of the forces under their respective com- 
mands, for the purpose of returning fugitives from 
service or labor who may have escaped from any per- 
sons to whom such service or labor is claimed to be 
due, and any officer who shall be found guilty, by a 
court-martial, of violating this article of war, shall 
be dismissed from the service." 

Whether the men of the Eleventh " were pleased 
with the President's message, and the general order 
referred to, may be inferred from the fact that a 
whipping-post which stood near the court-house, where 
Company B was quartered, Avas very speedily demol- 
ished; and on the question being asked of a group 
standing, one day, where the post once stood, what 
they would do were a slaveholder to tie up a slave in 
their presence, they promptly answered: "Do! Why 
we would give him such a dose of blue pills he wouldn't 
know what hurt him ! " These matters are referred 
to, at this point, in order to show what were the feel- 
ings in the army upon the questions involved. Many 
a loyal heart beat joyfully on that day, when it was 
known that henceforth liberty, in the full and true 
sense of that blessed term, would no longer be ignored 
either in the cabinet or in the camp. It was seen 
that the issue was about to be met fairly and squarely, 
and every true patriot felt that God would bless the 
right. 



32 lights and shadows of army life, 

Organization of a Regimental Church. 
Quite a number of those composing the Eleventh 
Regiment were professors of religion, and there were 
not a few who were anxious to keep up some visible 
bond of union, so that not only might there be mutual 
aid and encouragement in leading a religious life while 
in the army, but that direct efforts might be made to 
promote the interests of morality and religion in the 
regiment. In union there is strength. This is felt in 
religious as well as in other matters; hence the crav- 
ing of the believing soul for Christian fellowship and 
communion. A few of the more spiritual and devoted 
of the men had arranged to hold two prayer-meetings 
during each week, and for this purpose had engaged 
a small room belonging to one of the citizens of the 
town. The first of these meetings I attended a day 
or two after joining the regiment; and such were the 
peculiarly interesting character of the services, to- 
gether with all the accompanying circumstances, that 
it will never be forgotten. There was an entire ab- 
sence of form or ceremony, and, seemingly, there was 
no room for any thing like the old stereotyped pray- 
ers or addresses which obtain so largely in more 
formal and, perhaps, more fashionable religious meet- 
ings. There were but few at that meeting — not more 
than a dozen, perhaps — but each countenance is as 
plain before me now while I write these lines as if the 
meeting had been but last night; and there were 
impressions made upon the minds of all present that 
will never be forgotten. It was nothing more than an 
humble prayer-meeting, held by Christian soldiers far 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 66 

fi-om home, and deprived of tlie privileges of the sanc- 
tuary ; but it -was one of those precious seasons when 
the souls of believers rise superior to outward circum- 
stances, and have fellowship Avith the unseen and 
eternal. One after another of those present engaged 
in supplicating the Throne of Grace, or spoke of the 
felt preciousness of the love of God in the soul; and 
so full of joy and comfort and gratitude seemed each 
one, that as soon as one stopped praying or speaking, 
another commenced! These were men who had en- 
dured incredible hardships during tRe previous summer 
and winter ; had laid out in the open field or in the 
w^oods for sixty bleak, cold days and nights, without 
tents and with few blankets ; had been fighting or 
marching, scouting or standing guard, day after day, 
and night after night, subsisting on a few hard crack- 
ers and a drink of muddy water ! These were men 
around whose heads musket-balls had whistled like 
driving hail, and against whose bosoms had been pointed 
the glittering steel ! The Lord had covered their heads 
in the day of battle, and His presence had cheered 
their hearts in the hour of suffering. For these they 
thanked Him as they knelt in prayer; and to the power 
of religion to comfort the heart they testified, as each 
arose to tell what the Lord had done for him. 0, 
how true it is, that living, experimental religion — the 
love of God in the soul — is man's most precious treas- 
ure, at all times and under all circumstances ! In the 
bright day of prosperity, when all is happy and cliecr- 
fid, or in the dark day of adversity, when all is dreary 
and discouraging, religion is found to be the pearl of 
great price. In health or in sickness, among friends 



34 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AKMY LIFE. 

or enemies, at home or abroad, in life or in death, it 
is the same precious, priceless treasure of the soul. 
And amid all the changing scenes of life, the Christian 
can say, " I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, 
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things 
present, nor things to come, nor hight, nor depth, nor 
any other creature, shall be able to separate us from 
the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 
Blessed rehgion ! Who would not gladly suffer all 
things, to realize the fullness of comfort, hope, and 
joy which these words of Christian triumph express ! 

At the close of the services, it was proposed to or- 
ganize a regimental Church, and a committee was 
appointed to act with the chaplain in preparing some 
formal bond of union or Church covenant. This was 
on Thursday evening, the 27th of February, 1862.* 

On the ensuing Monday evening, the 3d of March, 
a meeting was held in the Masonic Hall for the pur- 
pose of completing the Church organization. The rec- 
ord kept from that time till the regiment was mus- 
tered out, in 1864, contains the following minutes of 
that meetino; : 



" Camp Cox, Point 



Pleasant, Virginia, ] 
''March 3, 1SG2. j 



" Pursuant to notice, a meeting of the soldiers 
of the Eleventh Eegiment Ohio Yoluntecr Infantry, 
U. S. A., Avas held in the Masonic Hall, Point Pleas- 



* The general reader •will, perhaps, excuse this appai-ent show 
of punctilious regard for dates. There are those into whose 
hands this unpretending volume may fall who will be glad to 
note these dates. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 35 

ant, for the purpose of organizing a Churcli in said 
regiment. 

" The Chaplain, Rev. W. W. Lyle, was appointed 
Chairman, and M. L. Sheets Secretary. 

" After devotional exercises, the business of the 
meeting Avas introduced, and the committee, appointed 
at a previous meeting, to prepare a constitution for 
the contemplated Church, presented their report, 
which was unanimously adopted, as follows : 

" Bond of Union' op the Church of the Eleventh Eegiment 
O. V. I., U. S. A. 

"Believing it to be our duty, as the professed followers of 
the Lord Jesus Christ, to maintain a visible Church organiza- 
tion in our regiment, we, whose names are hereto appended, 
form ourselves into a Church, under the Designation, Articles 
of Faith, and General Rules, as follows: 

" 1. This organization shall be called The Union Chuuch 
OF the Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

"2. The object of this Association is to bring into visible 
unity and organization the religious element in our regiment; 
to watch over, encourage, and comfort one another as brethren 
in the Lord, and, as much as in us lies, to promote good order, 
morality, and piety in our camp. 

"3. Members of all Christian Churches shall be eligible for 
membership, and shall, in common with all applicants, be 
received on certificate or profession of faith. 

"Articles of Religion. 

"We believe in Cod the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven 
and earth, and in Tlis Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 
who came into the world to make an atonement for sin. We 
believe in the Holy Spirit, the Divine Comforter and Sancti- 
fier; in the Scriptures of Divine truth, as the only sufHcient 
rule of faith and practice, and in the necessity of repentance 
toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, as conditions 



36 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

of salvation. AVe believe it to be the duty of every Cliristian 
to maintain a godly life, walk, and conversation at all times, 
and under all circumstances; and by gentleness, meekness, 
and tidelity, to commend the religion of Christ to the hearts 
and consciences of men. 

" Candidates for admission will be addressed in the words 
of the following 

" Covenant. 

" You do avouch the Lord Jehovah to be your God, the 
Savior Jesus Christ to be your Redeemer, and the Holy 
Spirit to be your Comforter and Sanctifier. You profess to 
have renounced the world, the flesh, and the devil, and are 
determined, through grace, to live soberly, righteously, and 
godly in this present world. In joining this Church, you 
promise to labor for the edification and welfare of your 
brethren; to attend as often as you possibly can the meetings 
for Divine worship ; to labor for the conversion of your com- 
panions in arms, and to promote good order and morality in 
the regiment. \_Ansiver — I do.] 

"Response of the CnuRcn — \^The Chaplain, in the name of 
the Church, will say^ — We receive you, dear brethren, into our 
fellowship and communion, and promise, through Divine 
Grace, to watch over you as beloved brethren in Christ; to 
sustain, comibrt, and encourage you in the Christian warfare, 
and to discharge such duties as are incumbent upon us as 
fellow-believers in the Lord Jesus. And may the blessing of 
God our Father rest upon us all. Amen." 

After the adoption of the foregoing, a committee, 
or Official Board — jocuhvrly known ever after as 
"The Chaphiin's Stall'" — was appointed, as follows: 
A. Conklin, E. 11. Eyer, C. J. McClure, M. L. 
Sheets, W. T. Burns, and J. B. Woolson. 

An opportunity was then given for any who Avished 
to join the new organization to do so, when some 
twenty-five immediately subscribed to the Bond of 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 37 

Union. While tlic interesting services were being 
conducted, and one after another expressed a desire 
to be numbered with the little Christian band, an 
occurrence took place which was deeply affecting. A 
young man arose, and said : " I have known what it 
is to enjoy religion; I have known what it is to ex- 
perience God's love; but since I came into the army 
I have backslidden from God. I have a praying 
father and mother, and Avlicn I left home my mother 
wept over me, and told me not to forget my God." 
While speaking, his voice faltered, and the tears 
trickled over his checks. " Yes," he continued, after 
a pause, "my mother is a praying woman — and, 0, 
she is praying for me to-night! I knoAv she is pray- 
ing for me to-night; for when I said farewell to 
her, she said, 'I'll pray for you night and morning, 
my son, but, 0, don't neglect to pray for j^our- 
self!'" These words, and the peculiarly tender tone 
in which they were spoken, had a thrilling effect upon 
every one present. After a moment's pause, he ex- 
pressed an earnest wish to be prayed for; and we all 
knelt down to petition a Throne of Grace in his 
behalf. Another man arose, and said "he had long 
been a wanderer, but now he wished to be with the 
people of God — would Ave receive him ? " " Yes, 
yes! " was the answer. " Come, and we will do thee 
good; for the Lord hath spoken good concerning 
Israel." Another season of prayer was held, after 
which a very sensible and spirit-stirring little addi-ess 
was made by the oldest soldier present — Mr. Nathan 
Whittaker, of Company E. How long that little, un- 
pretending meeting might have been held, it would 



38 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

be difficult to say; but certain it is, the drummer's 
call for " tattoo " seemed to come too early that 
night. Services were again held the next evening. 
" The Savior's tender compassion for the penitent 
sinner" was the theme of discourse. At the close 
of the services, several were received into the Church, 
some on profession of faith, and others by certificate 
from their respective Churches at home. The meet- 
ings were continued every night during that week, 
and the interest manifested in religious matters gen- 
erally was both hopeful and encouraging. 

On the ensuing Sabbath, the ordinance of baptism 
■was administered, when two young men, who had 
found peace in believing, publicly professed their faith 
in Christ. At the same services, six more joined the 
Regimental Church. Meetings were held each night 
during the succeeding week also; and such were the 
indications given of God's gracious presence, that it 
seemed as if the language of every attendant was, "It 
is good for us to be here." This state of things con- 
tinued for several weeks, during which, services were 
held generally every night. The movement could not 
be dignified Avith the name of a revival, and yet not 
a few Christian soldiers were strengthened and encour- 
aged, while several others, who left home thoughtless 
and godless, were constrained to give their hearts 
\into the Lord. There was an increased demand for 
Testaments, tracts, and religious reading generally, 
with which, thanks to Christian fi'iends at home, we 
were abundantly supplied. On Sabbath, the 2od of 
March, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was ob- 
served, for the first time, by our little Christian broth- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 39 

erhood, and, perhaps, for the first time "svithin the 
lines of this portion of the army. It was truly a sea- 
son of refreshing from the presence of the Lord — a 
time long to be remembered by those Avho participated 
in the solemn and interesting services. Perhaps the 
privilege of commemorating the sufferings and death 
of Christ, by those Christian soldiers, was all the more 
highly appreciated, because of the circumstances in 
which they were placed — away from the refining and 
elevating influences of home, and the sacred associa- 
tions of home-Sabbaths and the home-sanctuary — to- 
gether with the fact that such a privilege had not been 
enjoyed for a long time, while the expectation of an 
active campaign about to open gave no favorable 
promise of enjoying the same privilege very soon 
again. It was a time, too, of very solemn inquiry rel- 
ative to the responsibility of professing Christians in 
the army, not only in regard to their own spiritual 
welfare, but also in regard to their influence upon their 
companions in arms. 



CHAPTER in. 

GAULEY BRIDGE RALEIGH COURT-HOUSE SUSPENSE GENERAL COX 

AT FLAT-TOP A POWERFUL BATTERT HOSPITAL SCENES. 

On the 16th of April, the regiment, with the excep- 
tion of Company F, which was left to guard Govern- 
ment property, left Point Pleasant for Winfield, on 
the Kanawha River. We remained at Winfield till 
May 8, when orders were received to move to Gauley 
Bridge. At five P. M,, six companies left, followed 
next day by the rest of the regiment. The transports 
could go up the river only as far as Cannclton, a land- 
ing near some coal-oil works, and about twelve miles 
from Gauley Bridge. At four o'clock next after- 
noon — Saturday, the 10th — the regiment encamped at 
Gauley Bridge, within a short distance of the camp 
ground occupied about five months before, and under 
the very shadow of Cotton Mountain, whose rugged 
summit the last lingering rays of the setting sun were 
illuminating with the soft, dreamy splendors of an 
early summer's eve, as we drove our tent-pins and 
stretched our cumbrous "Sibleys." 

" In for another campaign, in this jumping-off place 
of creation," said one, as he dipped his tin-cup into 
the kettle of steaming coffee. 
(40) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 41 

" Who wants to go on a scout to Sewell Mountain ?" 
shouted another. 

"Hold on, partner," said a third; "we are going 
to Richmond, by way of Greenbrier." 

"What '11 ye bet," said another, "we don't march 
straight -^r Newbern and cut the Conthieveracy in 
two, and distinguish ourselves generally?" 

" Very likely," chimed in another, as he leisurely 
cut into a chunk of fat pork, using a piece of hard 
tack for a plate — " very likely, boys, Ave '11 distinguish 
ourselves generally, and some of us may get fa;tin- 
guished particularly." 

"Did you hear the news, boys? The rebs are at 
Lewisburg and up New River," said another, who had 
just come from the camp of the Forty-fourth Ohio. 

" Tell us something we do n't know," was the polite 
answer made in return for the information so freely 
volunteered. "Wouldn't be surprised if old Jenkins 
was n't considerably nearer than LeAvisburg." 

" Say, boys, do you remember when the rebs opened 
on us with that old smooth-bore from Cotton Hill, yon- 
der?" said one. 

"Guess we paid 'em back when we fired our ten- 
pounder ramrod at them. They did n't know what in 
thunder it was. Rather guess we knew, though. IIow 
they scampered off on the double-quick, seemingly 
scared to death at what they thought was a new gun, 
just got into position ! Wonder if old Wise did n't 
think we were sending chain-shot after him, when our 
rammer went booming and splintering through the 
trees ? " 
And thus remarks, half in fun, half in earnest, re- 
4 



42 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

ferring to incidents and experiences of the preceding 
summer's campaign, were freely bandied about. But, 
with all the good-humored repartee and joke around 
the camp-fires that night, fliere was a very general dis- 
gust at the idea of another summer's scouting and 
bushwhacking in that bleak, dreary, forsaken region 
of Western Virginia. 

Next day, Sabbath, May 11, the Forty-fourth Ohio 
moved up the east side of New River, toward LcAvis- 
burg, and on the following day, part of the Eleventh 
moved up the west side of the river by the Fayette- 
ville road, toward Beckley or Raleigh Court-house. 
These movements fairly inaugurated the campaign of 
the Kanawha in 1862. 

A few days after the movements above mentioned, 
Company E, Captain Douglass, and Company G, Cap- 
tain Iliggins, left Gauley Bridge also, and followed 
the regiment toward Raleigh. It was on Saturday, 
the 17th of May, that this detachment set out. It 
was a bright and beautiful morning, and but for the 
roll of the drum, which was answered by repeated 
echoes from the deep mountain gorges and frowning 
steeps of the New River and the Gauley, with an oc- 
casional bugle-blast, no one Avould have imagined that 
war's dread visage was darkening, even then, this 
wildly romantic but beautiful country. More stir- 
ring scenes have been enacted since that morning, 
and many a bloody battle has been witnessed by the 
Avriter of these lines, and by those who were his com- 
panions in arms, since then ; but that morning's scene 
on the banks of the Gauley — the crossing of the river, 
the toilsome march up Cotton Ilill, with all the at- 



LKHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 43 

tendant circumstances — will never be forgotten. Long 
before day the reveille was beat, each note being 
taken up by the 

"Echoes wildly fljing," 

and flung back again as if with tenfold power. In a 
short time the tents were struck, horses saddled, and 
baggage in the wagons, and we were on our way to 
the front. The " front," by the way, Avas, as usual, 
somewhat of a vague locality ; for, as we afterward 
found, it was pretty near right and left, as well as be- 
fore us. While the heavy supply-train was toiling 
wearily and slowly up the rough, rugged road that 
winds up and around Cotton Ilill for some six or 
seven miles, I had ample time to survey the whole 
scene, and indulge in such reflections as it would nat- 
urally suggest. This is but a living picture of man's 
life upon earth, thought I, as the bustling, changing 
scenes of the past few days seemed to rise up before 
me. How true it is that life, at the best, is but a 
warfare; and he only is truly happy who hath taken to 
himself the whole armor of God, and in the strength 
Avhich Christ imparts, struggles bravely on till the 
victory is obtained over the world, the flesh, and the 
devil. Glorious is the crown which the Captain of our 
salvation will give to those who conquer on the spirit- 
ual battle-field; and glorious even in this life are the 
rewards of him who daily says — 

"Fight on, my soul, till death 
Shall bring thee to thy God — ■ 
He '11 take thee, at thy parting breath, 
Up to his blest abode.' 



44 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Toward evening, we reached the picket-posts of 
■what I supposed Avas some regiment stationed at Fay- 
ettevillc, and at first paid little attention to the mat- 
ter; but on coming closer, I saw that somethhig was 
in the wind. Here were some of our own men, who 
had preceded us some four or five days before, and 
whom I supposed were twenty miles further on. They 
had a keen, vigilant, wide-awake look about them, aa 
much as to say, " Look out for bushwhackers, boys ! " 

" We have been expecting an attack all day," said 
the men at the picket-post, in reply to our question.3 — 
"Jenkins's cavalry have been scouting around, and 
fired on our pickets on the Raleigh road last night. 
And there nvas warm work up at Princeton, yester- 
day, too. General Cox had to fall back to Flat-Top, 
and the Thirty-fourth Kegiment has been badly cut 
up." 

Such were the reports given as we passed along. 
I could not help thinking to myself that " ignorance 
is bliss," sometimes — at least temporarily. I had 
been bringing up the rear — that is, half a mile be- 
hind — walking quite leisurely, in order to allow a 
wearied soldier to help himself along on my horse. 
On getting into the village, preparations were in- 
stantly made for both eating and skirmishing ; which 
of the two duties would come first it was hard to tell. 

The first stage of excitement was beginning to sub- 
side into coffee and crackers, when scouts came in, 
and reported a rebel force advancing toward Fayctte- 
ville in such a manner as to make a sudden attack 
during the night. The pickets were strengthened, 
additional rounds of ammunition distributed, and, 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 45 

having spread our blankets wliere we could, avc 
"went to sleep, and slept, if not comfortably, safely 
enough, for we were not disturbed. Early in the 
morning, orders were received from head-quarters to 
push forward with the utmost dispatch. This was a 
difficult matter, owing to the rough and hilly roads, 
and the heavily-loaded wagons ; but, as there seemed 
to be trouble ahead, every thing was done to advance 
as rapidly as possible. 

At night we encamped on what had been a farm- 
yard, and, after a late but delicious supper of crack- 
ers and coffee, threw ourselves down Avherever there 
Avere the best indications of comfort. The greater 
number enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in the open 
air ; a few, however, Avere fortunate enough to get 
into a dilapidated log-cabin. This cabin was the 
most thoroughly ventilated institution of the kind 
imaginable — fully equal to the demands of the most 
radical of hygienic reformers. The boys, had they 
not been accustomed to " roughing it in the bush," 
might, perhaps, have had some sympathy for the poor 
fellow, of whom we have all heard, who caught a 
severe cold by sleeping one night in the pasture-field 
with the gate open. 

A thunder-storm came up during the night, and 
we had a plentiful supply of fresh water in addition 
to fresh air; but as it is not what a man has, but 
what he enjoys, that is really valuable to him, so, on 
the same principle, we valued very highly the oppor- 
tunity of resting our aching limbs, even under such 
circumstances. It is not likely that any of us will 
make annual pilgrimages to that ancient log-cabin, 



46 LIGHTS AND SHADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

as the followers of Mohammed do to Mecca; but 
I think, for one, that I will always look with consid- 
erable respect upon all log-cabins in general, and 
particularly upon those that are minus doors, win- 
dows, chimneys, clapboards, and chinking. We were 
just fully into the blessed enjoyment of sound sleep, 
when I was vinceremoniously aroused with " Captain ! 
Captain ! here 's a messenger from head-quarters." 
"That ain't the captain; that's the chaplain," said 
Henry Culbertson, who was occupying a neighbor- 
ing board. "Where's the captain, then? Where's 
Captain Douglass?" By this time we were all at 
least half awake ; and Captain Douglass, taking the 
dispatches from the orderly, read them hastily, and 
soon "Fall in! Fall in, boys!" awakened every 
sleeper, and made him start to his feet. In a short 
time the train was in motion, and away we went, 
over steep hills and through deep defiles, as rapidly 
as possible. In a few hours we reached Raleigh, and 
found every one busy at work preparing to receive, 
in a becoming manner, a rebel force expected every 
moment. General Cox had sent dispatches from 
Flat-Top to Colonel Coleman, informing him that a 
rebel force was reported moving around by Avay of 
Logan, with the evident intention of cutting our 
communications, and that it was probable an attack 
would be made on the garrison at Raleigh. Scouts 
were sent out in all directions, and every precaution 
was taken by the brave and ever-watchful Colonel 
Coleman to prevent a surprise. Log-houses Avere 
quickly transformed into tolerably good stockades ; 
the court-house — a large brick building — was loop- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 47 

holed for sliarp-shootevs, and covered ways were made 
leading to the principal spring. It was, however, a 
time of no little anxiety; for, aside from our exposed 
position, there was but a handful of men to guard the 
post. Two companies, under command of Captain 
Lane, had been gone for three days on a scouting 
expedition, and had not been heard from. The ex- 
pedition had started for a point somewhat east and 
south of where the battle of the Friday previous had 
been fought, and no little anxiety was felt for its 
safety. One company, as already stated, was at 
Fayetteville, while Company F was still on duty at 
Point Pleasant. There was quite a number of sick 
belonging to the Twelfth, Twenty-third, and Thirty- 
fourth Regiments in the hospital; and in case of any 
reverse, the facilities for their removal were very lim- 
ited. Notwithstanding these somewhat perplexing 
circumstances, every one felt determined and hopeful. 
Not soon will I forget Colonel Coleman's reply to a 
remark I made to him, relative to the difficulty of fall- 
ing back to any safer position, in the event of being 
attacked by a superior force. " The Eleventh do n't 
fall back from this point. We intend to stay here at 
all hazards, and advance rather than retreat ! " Brave 
Coleman ! He sleeps in the honored grave of a pa- 
triot soldier, but those words, spoken with such earn- 
estness and decision, at a time when matters looked 
gloomy in the Kanawha Valley, will never be forgot- 
ten. The only expression indicative of anxiety which 
he uttered at this time was, " I only wish those two 
companies that are out with Captain Lane were back. 
They have gone too far. I am anxious about them." 



48 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Some of tlie more waggish of tlic boys liad got a 
slicct-iron camp-stove — which bears no slight resem- 
blance to a small mortar — and had placed it in such 
a position as to command one of the approaches! 
Others had mounted a joint of dangerous-looking 
stove-pipe on the fore-wheels of an old wagon; while 
in keeping Avith the brilliant military strategy dis- 
played elsewhere, and Avhich had such powerful in- 
lluencc on the ever-cautious McClellan in front of 
]\Ianassas, some reckless wags in Company II had 
still another piece of stove-pipe duly mounted oi 
harhcttc, on the top of their log-house lunette, on 
which they had painted, in staring capitals : TiiE 
Last Chance ! 

As a tribute to a brave and worthy young man, now 
"sleeping his hist slec]),'' it may be mentioned, in this 
connection, that Colonel Coleman had sent out Andrew 
Thompson, accompanied by a stalwart negro as guide, 
with dispatches for Captain Lane. Having each a 
rifle and a cartridge-box, and with three days' rations 
in their haversacks, they started out on their perilous 
mission. Over hills and through valleys, following 
bridle-paths and bhnd trails, they pressed on reso- 
lutely, and finally succeeded in finding the detach- 
ment. The confidence reposed in Andrew by Colonel 
Coleman, and the words of approbation with which he 
welcomed him, when he and the detachment came into 
camp, were alike honorable to both. How freely some 
of us breathed, and how comfortably brave and self- 
confident some of us felt, when the two companies de- 
filed past, with their prisoners and genuine Union 
home-guards, and carrying any quantity of tobacco, I 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LITE. 49 

would not dare to say. Certain it is, however, that 
the thermometer of hope and confidence went up rap- 
idly, and we all felt hrave enough and strong enough 
to make Raleigh both the last chance and the last 
ditch. Whether the sentiment attributed to Napo- 
leon — that " God is always on the side of the heav- 
iest battalions" — be true or false, one thing is certain, 
people generally feel considerably more courageous 
and resolute when in a tight place, if they only know 
they have good backing. 

Hospital Scenes and Incidents — "A Stranger 
Here." 

While officers and men were attending to their ap- 
propriate duties, I commenced my work among the 
sick and wounded in the hospital, or rather hospitals, 
for there were two. In one of the wards I found a 
sufferer upon whose countenance Death had set his 
dark seal. I spoke to him, but he heard me not — he 
was too close upon the shores of eternity to hear 
words of earth. No one in the hospital knew him, 
or could tell Avhere his home was, or whether any one 
called him son or brother. I knelt down at the side 
of his lowly bed, and commended him to the tender 
mercies of a gracious God. Was he prepared to die? 
Were the ministering angels hovering near to waft his 
spirit to the better land? Now, that no human lan- 
guage could reach his ear, was Jesus whispering peace 
and joy in his heart? and while his glassy eyes were 
closing upon earth, did he see the gates of glory open- 
ing to receive him ? Or, was the harvest past and the 
5 



60 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

summer ended — the Savior unsought and the soul un- 
saved? These were questions which it were vain to 
ask. 0, Death ! how solemn art thou ! But much 
more solemn is Life; for it is the living that invests 
the dying either with the darkness of despair, or with 
the glorious sunshine of hope. If we live right, God 
will see to it that wo die right, wherever we may he, 
and whatever may be our circumstances. 

In a few minutes the poor sufferer breathed his last, 
and as we closed his eyes, I thought of some home- 
circle of loving hearts anxiously waiting for the return 
of the absent one, but whose face they would see no 
more. We got his knapsack, and searched it for any 
letters that might contain the address of relatives. 
One was found, written by a brother, to which a post- 
script was added by his father, as follows : 

. . . . "And now, my dear boy, do your duty to your 
country ; and, above all things, remember your Creator in the 
days of your youth, that you may receive his blessing. 
" Your affectionate father, 

"J. FORSTEK." 

On the same evening — Monday, May 19 — just as the 
sun was setting, we consigned to the earth the body 
of this young man ; and, unless removed, there stands 
on his grave a board — placed there by our kind hos- 
pital steward, J. H. Harden — with the inscription: 

"RICHARD FORSTER, 

Company E, 

Tliirty-fourth Regiment, 

Ohio Vol. Infantry. " > 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 61 

"I WILL Arise and Go to My Father." 

I was much interested in the case of a young man. 
who was wounded in a skirmish with a guerrilla band, 
between Raleigh and Flat-Top. When I first saw him, 
which was about fifteen days after he was wounded, he 
was suffering very much. A large Belgian rifle-ball 
had passed through his lungs, and at every breath 
he took, the air and blood bubbled out through the 
wound. Our excellent surgeon, Dr. Gabriel, had pro- 
nounced his case hopeless, and did not expect him to 
live till the next day. I spoke to him of his condition, 
and found that he had a pious father and mother, and 
that he had been religiously trained. He was greatly 
discouraged, not so much on account of his bodily 
affliction as on account of his soul. I spoke to him 
of the love of God in Christ Jesus, of his tender 
mercy and long-suffering grace. The tears began to 
trickle over his cheek, and he whispered earnestly and 
sadly: 

" 0, chaplain, I wish it was with me as in months 
past, when the candle of the Lord shone upon my 
head. I was happy a year ago, but now " — 

lie could say no more. In a few minutes he recov- 
ered somewhat, and asked me to pray with him. I 
said to him that Jesus was able to save unto the utter- 
most all that came unto God through him, "seeing be 
ever liveth to make intercession for us." 

" That 's very precious," was his reply. 

" Well, here is another precious text for you : 
*This is a faithful sa3'ing, and worthy of all accepta- 
tion, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save 



52 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

sinners,'" He was too feeble to reply audibly, and 
was in great physical distress ; but he made signs, in- 
dicating how sweet and comforting were those words. 
Kneeling down by his side, I prayed for him, and for 
the wounded all around, that the joys of salvation 
might be vouchsafed unto them. 

Toward midnight I visited the hospital again, and 
found that nearly all the sufferers were sleeping. I 
found my young friend, however, in great distress, 
and apparently sinking rapidly into the arms of death. 
Again I tried to soothe his troubled spirit by whisper- 
ing in his ear the promises of a gracious God, and 
pointing him to the all-sufficient Savior. He ex- 
pressed a hope that God would be merciful to him, 
and forgive his backslidings. 

"I have been a professor of religion, a member of 
the Methodist Church," said he, in a whisper; "but, 
since coming into the army, I have neglected my duty. 
Darkness has come upon me; I am backsUdden from 
God ; but, 0, I will arise and go to my Father, and I 
will say, " Father, I have sinned ! ' " 

I pressed his hand, bade him good-night, and re- 
turned to my quarters, thanking God for the oppor- 
tunity of speaking " a word in season to him that is 
weary." 

The Wounded op the Princeton Fight. 

The Post Hospital of the Kanawha District of the 
Mountain Department had been located at Raleigh, 
shortly after our arrival. Dr. Gabriel was in charge, 
assisted by Dr. Gill, and, for a short time, by Dr. Neal, 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 53 

of the Second Virginia Cavalry, and also by Dr. Mc- 
Nutt, the latter of whom was subsequently Second 
Assistant Surgeon to the Eleventh. On the 24th of 
May, Dr. Gabriel received orders from head-quarters 
at Flat-Top to make hospital arrangements for a num- 
ber of the wounded of the Princeton fight. The 
court-house, which had been occupied as company 
quarters, was cleaned out most thoroughly. Bunks or 
cots were made of all the available lumber, which, at 
the best, was only the rough fencing-boards about the 
town; and as much straw as could be collected within 
several miles was used in making the rough bunks a 
little more comfortable. 

The work was finished by Sabbath evening — next 
day — and on Monday the long train of ambulances 
with the wounded arrived, under charge of Dr. Gill. 
As quickly as possible the sufferers were laid on the 
cots provided for them, and every thing done to make 
them as comfortable as possible under the circum- 
stances. But, alas! they were in a sad state. Many 
of them had been taken prisoners by the Confederates, 
and had had but little attention paid them. They had 
been brought forty miles after being exchanged, and 
for several days their wounds had not been dressed. 
When it is added that the weather was very warm and 
sultry, the reader will be able to form some idea of 
their terrible state. During that night and next morn- 
ing the surgeons and nurses worked faithfully, and did 
every thing that skill and kindness could do to alle- 
viate their sufferings. 

Next day, their wounds having been dressed, and 
every thing done for their mangled boches, I tried, 



54 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

through the help of God, to lead the wearied, ex- 
hausted sufferers to the healing streams of salvation, 
and to Jesus, the ever-living and ever-loving Physi- 
cian of souls. 



"I don't "u^ant to Think!" 

An officer of the Eegiment was among the 

■first that attracted my attention. He had been 
wounded in the knee ; mortification had taken place, 
and it was evident he had but a few hours to live. I 
spoke to him as kindly and soothingly as possible, and 
inquired how he felt. 

" Very bad ! very bad ! " was his reply. He called 
incessantly for brandy; Avas restless, nervous, dying. 
I gave him some brandy and water, which the surgeon 
had ordered for him, and as I laid his head back on 
the pillow, and spoke to him of that loving Savior who 
died to redeem the world, I said : " Would you like 
me to read a little to you out of God's Word, and pray 
with you ? " 

" I 'm too weak — I can 't be troubled — some time 
again. Give me brandy ! give me brandy ! " was 
his reply. 

" You are indeed weak, and seem to be dying, and 
that is the reason I asked whether you would not wish 
to be pi-ayed for. Do you think you will get well ? " 

"I am afi'aid not," said he. 

"I come to you," said I, "as a friend and brother, 
to speak to you in the name of Christ, who says to all 
sufferers, ' Come unto mc, all ye that are weary and 
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' It is a solemn 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARxAIY LIFE. 55 

thing to die. Do you tliink you arc prepared to meet 
God?" 

lie seemed to quiver under tlie -power of some un- 
told agony, whether entirely physical, it were difficult 
to tell. He pressed his hands repeatedly on his fore- 
head, as if trying to keep back unwelcome thoughts, 
and then exclaimed, through his clenched teeth, "/ 
don't want to tliink!'^ There was a terrible energy 
in the manner he pronounced those sad words, and 
they conveyed a terrible meaning. 

" God waits to be gracious ; look to Him in this the 
hour of your suffering, and pray for pardon through 
the Savior's blood," said I, smoothing back the tangled 
locks from his clammy brow. 

"I don't! I don't!" he exclaimed, in a loud 
"whisper, at the same time grasping the blanket con- 
vulsively, and drawing it over his face. It seemed as 
if the poor dying man either did not wish me to speak 
about spiritual matters, or that the reference to them 
caused intense anguish. With a sad heart I turned 
away from this fearfully solemn and gloomy scene, 
with the intention of making yet another effort to 
point the dying one to Christ. But the second effort 
was, if possible, more hopeless than the first, and in 
an hour or two he had passed into the eternal world ! 

*'He was an infidel," said one who knew him well, 
in answer to some inquiries I made concerning him. 

And is this all the comfort that infidelity can give 
in the hour of suffering and death? Cold, cheerless, 
and dark as the grave is the skeptic's pathway ! He 
begins by refusing to think of God and eternity. God 
is not in all his thoughts. He continues in the dark 



56 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

and cliecrless pathway of unbelief, saying to the God 
of light and life, " Depart from me, God, for I 
desire not the knowledge of thy ways ! " And when 
he stands shivering on the brink of eternity, the poor, 
hopeless, homeless unbeliever exclaims, " I do n't 
WANT TO THINK ! " And does not this exclamation 
of this poor dying soldier contain the very essence, 
the very life, of all ungodliness? How many are 
there who every day and hour refuse to think on the 
everlastingly important and precious interests of their 
souls ! They plunge madly into the rushing, deceit- 
ful current of worldly pleasure, alike forgetful of the 
claims of God and the interests of their immortal 
souls ! We speak of their folly — their thoughtless- 
ness. But why thoughtless ? Simply because they 
refuse to think on the fearfully -important issues at 
stake. Practically, they say, " We do n't want to 
think ! " Were they to pause in their mad career, 
and think of their souls' eternal interests, they would 
be led to repentance. In fact, the enjoyment which 
any sinner derives from unhallowed pleasures depends 
upon the success with which he can keep himself from 
all serious thought. A godless life commences, and is 
continued in a refusal to think on those matters which 
affect the soul's happiness, and if persevered in till the 
light of eternity begins to flash upon the dying pillow, 
thought then becomes terrible. That dying scene will 
never be forgotten by those who beheld it. The ter- 
ribly significant words will not soon be effaced from 
their memory ! 



LIGETS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 57 

A BRionTER Scene — Christ Precious. 

Turning away from the sad and gloomy scene just 
described, I went to a young man a few steps further 
on, who had been severely wounded in the foot. lie 
had apparently been reading his Bible, for it lay near 
him, with several of the leaves turned down. 

"I am glad to see you with your Bible," said I, as 
he welcomed me to his lowly cot, with a contented, 
cheerful smile. ."You have been reading some of 
God's own words — I trust you feel them to be pre- 
cious in the hour of affliction?" 

"Yes," said he, "I feel that the Bible is indeed 
precious, when one is in suifcring. I am not what I 
ought to be," he continued; "I have not lived as near 
to my Savior as I ought to have done ; but I can say 
to-day, that what little religion I have in my soul I 
would not give for all the world ! " 

"I am glad to see you so happy and contented," I 
replied, "and trust that Jesus will be near you in all 
your sufferings. Don't forget this blessed text: '1 
will not leave you comfortless ; I will come to you.' " 

" That is one of my favorite texts," said he, " and 
I know, from blessed experience, that it is true. Jesus 
never forsakes his people ; He never leaves them com- 
fortless. I have tried sometimes to preach a little, 
and if God restores me to health and strength, I in- 
tend to go on in my long-desired work of preaching 
the Gospel." 

" What Church do you belong to ? " I inquired. 

"To the Methodist Church," he replied. "I was 
attending college, at Delaware, Ohio, when the war 



58 LIGHTS AND SIIADO"\VS OF ARMY LIFE. 

broke out, but I thought it my duty to shoulder a 
inusket in defense of my country. I have done so, 
und feel I did right. If I die, all is well. I know 
that I love the SaA'ior, and, blessed be God! I know 
he loves me, too." The tears rolled down his checks, 
Avhilo he added, "and I am certain, through grace, to 
have a blessed home in heaven." 

JMuch more he said to the same import. lie was 
truly happy, although suffering very much, and in ex- 
pectation of undergoing a painful operation. Speak- 
ing a few more words of comfort to him, and laying 
my hand on his noble, broad forehead, I said: 

"Now, Brother M , don't get the least discour- 
aged about your wound. Keep cheerful; be of good 
courage. God has work for you to do in the Avorld 
yet, and, by and by, this head will be seen in a pulpit." 

I turned away from this pious young soldier, thank- 
ing God for such testimonies to the living power of 
experimental religion, and feeling how closely con- 
nected are true piety and lofty patriotism. 

" The only Son of itis Mother, and She was a 
Widow." 

There was one of the wounded men brought from 
Princeton who, by his uncomplaining, patient de- 
meanor, notwithstanding his severe sufferings, at- 
tracted my attention from the moment he was removed 
from the ambulance and placed on the hard cot which 
had been prepared for him. The first words he ut- 
tered, except a suppressed cry of pain when laid 
down, were, "Thank God for this!" 



LianTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 59 

On the following day, while visiting the lower wards 
of the hospital, Avhere he was, and doing some little 
thing to make one of the patients comfortable, some 
one called, several times, "Steward, steward, como 
here ! " Ileaiing the call frequently repeated, I looked 
up, and noticed that he was the person who was call- 
ing. Beckoning mc to come to him, I did so, inquir- 
ing- if he wished any thing. 

"Yes," said he, "I do; are you one of the stew- 
ards?" 

"No," I replied; "but that makes no difference, if 
I can help you. What can I do for you ? '■' 

"What are you, then?" he asked. 

" The chaplain," I replied. 

"Excuse me, excuse me," said he. "I didn't know; 
you don't dress like a chaplain." 

"Nothing wrong at all," I repHed. "You know a 
blouse is a fine thing to work in, and there is plenty 
to do here. What can I do for you ? " 

"I don't want any thing now. Please sit down; I 
want to talk Avith you. I'm glad you are a chaplain. 
I am much discouraged about myself. I don't think 
that I can get better." 

Poor felloAV ! he was in a dreadful state. His leg 
had been mangled fearfully, and in addition to lying 
some forty-eight hours on the battlefield before his 
wounds were dressed, he had been neglected by the 
rebel surgeons to such an extent that they were ren- 
dered incurable. 

"What are you discouraged about — your prospects 
of living, or is it about your soul ? " I inquired. 
"I think," said he, "that Lean not get better; but 



60 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

I am trying to put my trust in God. I am not so 
much troubled about myself; but, 0, if I die, it will 
break my dear mother's heart ! " And the noble, brave 
man turned away his head and burst into tears, while 
his Avhole frame shook with the violence of his emo- 
tions. "Poor mother! dear mother! her heart is 
bound up in me. I don't think of myself, I think of 
her ; for I am her only son, and she is a widow. She 
has no one to depend on but me." 

In a few moments he recovered himself somewhat, 
and requested me to pray with him. Kneeling beside 
his hard, lowly cot, I commended him to the tender 
mercy of that God who hath said, " Call upon me in 
the day of trouble ; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt 
glorify me." 

While talking with him, our excellent surgeon, Dr. 
, Gabriel, came to him, and said that in a few minutes 
he would have to undergo amputation ; that it was the 
last hope of saving his life ; that although every thing 
would be done for him that was possible, yet he might 
not live half an hour after the operation, and that it 
would be well for him to consider all that mio-ht be 
necessary under such circumstances. Dr. Gabriel 
pressed his hand warmly, and spoke to him as ten- 
derly as if he were his own brother. That little epi- 
sode, at the side of that hard, rough cot, in the midst 
of all that was heart-rending of suffering and death, 
revealed to me the fact that, under all that was quiet, 
cool, and decided of medical skill, there could beat 
one of the warmest and tenderest of hearts. Prom 
that moment I felt attracted toward the doctor; and, 
singularly enough, from that very time till he left the 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. Gl 

army, we were hardly ever separated, either in the 
camp, on the march, or on the battle-field. 

In about half an hour or so, the nurses came to take 
hira into the operating-room. As he was carried out, 
he said : " Farewell, boys ! farewell ! " In two hours 
afterward he breathed his last ! As I watched by hira 
for a few minutes — a few minutes, reader, for I went 
from one dying man to another, and from the bedside 
of the dying to the grave, and from the grave to the 
bedside again — God ! this is war ! — as I watche^l 
by him a few minutes, I thought of that brave, noble 
heart yearning for a mother's soothing voice, and the 
gentle pressure of a mother's soft hand, and whose 
last hours were troubled only by the thought of her 
loneliness and distress; and I wondered whether that 
mother, all unconscious, perhaps, of the condition of 
her dear boy, was, even then, praying for him as she 
used to pray ivith him, in other days, beside a little 
crib, while she taught him to lisp, "Now I lay me 
down to sleep." ^ 

As a fitting close to this hospital incident, I append 
the following extract from my note-book : 

" Wednesday, May 28, 1862.— Corporal Thomas 
Johnson, Company D, Thirty-fourth Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, died this evening, a few hours 
after having leg amputated. He was from Kenton, 
Ohio, and was wounded at the battle of Princeton." 



CHAPTER IV 

ANOKI.S IN THE UOSIMTAT, WOMAN's WORK A REMARKABLE DEATII- 

HKD A MOTllKll'.S JXl'LUENCE. 

The wife who girds her husband's sword, 

'Mid little ones who weep or wonder 
And bravely speaks the cheerinjif word, 

What, thougli her heart be rent asunder, 
Dooni'd nightly in her dreams to hear 

The bolts of death around him rattle, 
Hath shed as sacred blood as e'er 

Was poured upon a field of battle! 

Tlic mother who conceals her grief, 

While to her breast her son she presses, 
Then breathes a few brave words and brief 

Kissing the patriot brow she blesses; 
With no one but her secret God 

To know the pain that weighs upon her, 
Sheds holy blood as e'er the sod 

Received on Freedom's field of honor! 

T. lUicuANAN Read. 

Ministering Angels. 

We have had angol visits in the army. Angels 
have ministered to the suffering patriot soklier in 
many a camp and hospital, and on many a battle- 
field. Not angels direct from heaven, nor angels "with 
white wings and golden crowns, as represented by 
poets and painters; not angels who are considered 

(62) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 63 

superior to some of the little frailties of humanity — ■ 
no, nor angels whose visits are said to be few and far 
between — but angels of the earth who never were in 
heaven (unless Beecher's "Conflict of Ages" be true), 
but who, we earnestly pray, may yet be arrayed in 
white robes, be adorned with unfading crowns, and 
dwell forever in the city of God; angels in veritable 
human bodies, and — be it faintly whispered — not al- 
ways superior to some of the frailties supposed to bo 
incident to such habitations. Yes, to be plahier still, 
angels who have nimble fingers, and who rattle knit- 
ting-needles, and flourish scissors, and thrust Avith 
thimbles, in a way that looks as if they h^'d a very 
close connection with something more practical than 
poetic. "Angels! Bah! You mean ladies !" sneers 
some cynical old bachelor, who never was pleased in 
his life, and never intends to be. " Angels ! Pretty 
angels, forsooth!" exclaims some long-faced Pharisee, 
who thinks he is pious, Avhen he is only bilious, and 
who considers it a special mark of virtue to make a 
sanctimonious outcry against the failings of men in 
general (except himself, good soul!) and of women 
in particular. Yes, angels! ye solitary croakers and 
ye canting Pharisees, who perform the double drama 
of saints at church and sinners at home ! Yes, an- 
gels ! all ye true, noble hearts who can understand 
the unspoken wants of the sad and suftering, and who 
can appreciate the noble efforts of mother and wife 
and sister to supply those Avants. Yes, angels truly! 
all ye noble women of the loyal North, who have 
made sacrifices so heroically, and labored so faithfully 
and perseveringly in your Soldiers' Aid Societies, and 



64 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

done SO mncli for God and liumanitj in the day of 
the nation's deepest distress. 

But AYhat has all this to do with the army, -which, at 
the best, is not the most favorable place to meet -vvith 
angels, either from heaven or earth? Very much, 
dear reader — very much indeed ; and if you have 
never been in the army, perhaps you will understand 
my idea of the angelic in camp-life, if I paint you two 
living pictures as they might have been seen at the 
time referred to in the previous chapter. 

First Picture. 

It is a large room or hall, and running its entire 
length are six rows of rough cots or bunks. Come 
up stairs. Here is a room of similar dimensions, and 
containincr the same number of cots. On each of 
these rough cots lies a -wounded soldier. Here is one 
whose arm was amputated a day or two since. He is 
very -weak and discouraged, for unfavorable symptoms 
have appeared, lie has only a little loose straw laid 
on the boards for his bed, and his overcoat or knap- 
sack is his only pillow. He is hungry, but can not 
eat the hard crackers and coffee, which is all he can 
get. Here is another, wounded in the breast, who, in 
his agony, rolls his head uneasily from side to side. 
Ho Avill die, likely, to-night. There is another near 
by. A ball wxnt crashing through his leg, and you 
can see, from the appearance of the sufferer, that there 
is little hope of his recovery. Yonder is another, who 
has been gashed terribly. He is bleeding to death, 
and a few hours will close the scene. Close by you 



LTCIIITS AND BIIADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. G5 

there is a mere youth, whose shouUer has been torn 
by a piece of shell. He looks deathly pale, and is 
wasted to a skeleton. He says if he had something 
nice, such as his mother would get up for him, ho 
would get well right away. You sec that poor fellow 
close by the window there, propped up by a couple of 
knapsacks? He may die any moment, for you could 
almost turn your hand in the gaping Avound through 
his lungs. Go from cot to cot, and suffering is seen 
everywhere. Now, just look a little closer. Can 
you see a single pillow, or sheet, or bed-cover? Can 
you see a clean garment on those poor sufferers? 
No, not one! A coarse army blanket has been 
spread on the scanty allowance of straw ; the wearied, 
wounded soldier has been kid down on it, and an- 
other coarse blanket has been thrown over him. No- 
bly the surgeons and nurses have been working to 
render the poor fellows as comfortable as possible, 
but the hospital stores are nearly exhausted. This 
largo draft on our resources was totally unexpected, 
and we are forty-five miles from the nearest supplies. 
The men look haggard, dirty, and distressed. God 
pity them ! 

"Click! click! click!" goes the key of the tele- 
graph instrument, and the electric messenger tells the 
tale of suffering and want and death to those who 
are in comfort and peace at home, hundreds of 
miles off. 

Day succeeds day, and night, weary, dreary night, 
comes and goes. Cries of pain, moans of deep dis- 
tress, labored breathings, murmured prayers for mercy, 
and long last sighs are heard every day and every 
6 



66 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

night. The roll of the muffled drum, and the sub- 
dued, plaintive notes of Pleyel's Hymn, are heard 
frequently, as the soldier is carried to his long home. 
The large hospital is not so crowded now; but, see, 
yonder is a row of graves which tells a mournful tale ! 

Second Picture. 

It is Sabbath afternoon— a bright, beautiful day, 
which reminds us of blessed meetings in the sanctu- 
ary, and dear friends at home in the enjoyment of 
many spiritual and temporal comforts. It reminds 
us, too, of the blessed, beautiful Sabbath of heaven — 
the fadeless splendors, the undying glory, and the 
unruffled calm of God's upper sanctuary. Let us 
visit the hospital again. Lo, what a change! Nice, 
soft pillows, white as snow, have taken the place of 
coats and knapsacks. Clean sheets and ample cover- 
lets have been substituted for the coarse, dark army 
blankets, and the patients are all dressed in clean, 
white garments, which remind us' of those robes in 
which John saw the saints arrayed as they stood before 
the great white throne. A subdued yet unmistakable 
cheerfulness is depicted on every countenance. The 
luxury of cleanliness has been enjoyed, and the pa- 
tients feel not only more comfortable and cheerful, 
but absolutely better. The hospital, and all within it, 
has been entirely transformed, and you feel like ask- 
ing whether the days of miracles are passed. By 
wdiat means has this thrice-welcome change been ac- 
complished? 

There are marks on those snowy sheets and pillows 



LiailTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. G7 

and soft quilts. Examine tliera, and see whether they 
will explain the mystery. Ah, yes, the mystery is 
solved ! " Soldiers' Aid Society of Cleveland; " " Sol- 
diers' Aid Society, Toledo ; " " Sanitary Commission, 
Cincinnati," are the words marked on those pillows 
and sheets and other valuable articles; and they telJ 
us at once who the good angels are who, unseen, per- 
formed this miracle. But this is not all. Fruits of 
different kinds, various cordials and delicacies, and 
many little tokens of sympathy are in abundance, and, 
for the past day or two, the sick have had something 
better than mere army rations. They now feel that 
they are not forgotten. Their hearts are cheered and 
encouraged. Beautiful visions of wives and mothers 
and sisters are brought vividly before them ; a Sab- 
bath calm pervades the whole scene, while we seem 
to. hear, audibly, the words: ^^ Blessed are the merci- 
ful, for they shall obtain merci/." '^It is more blessed 
to give than to receive." Blessings, rich blessings — 
blessings in time and blessings in eternity — rest upon 
the noble women of the land, who remember the sick 
and wounded soldier, and who, for his comfort, ply 
the busy needle with such skill and industry ! The 
blessings of him who was ready to perish shall come 
upon them, and their noble deeds will be had in ever- 
lasting remembrance ! Never, till they stand before 
Jesus in glory, will they fully know the good they have 
accomplished, the hungry they have fed, the naked 
they have clothed, the sick they have visited, and the 
dying they have soothed. 

Am I correct in saying that we had the ministra- 
tions of angels ? 



68 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIPE. 

The Christian Soldier s Last Victory — A Thrill- 
ing Scene. 

The circumstances under wliich any remark is made, 
or quotatiou repeated, often invest that remark or 
quotation with additional interest. This is specially 
true of some of the most beautiful and familiar of our 
sacred lyrics. How often does the reatling or singing 
of some old familiar hymn awaken in one's bosom the 
tenderest memories of the past, or the sweetest re- 
membrances of some dear friend, long since gone to 
rest ! How often does some old, simple melody, which 
fashionable choirs, in the rage for operatic singing, 
have condemned as obsolete and in bad taste, carry 
us away back, by the mere force of association, to 
scenes of childhood, when we knelt beside a now 
sainted mother, and felt her hand laid aflfectionatcly 
upon our head, as we repeated the beautiful little 
prayer — 

"Now I lay me down to sleep 1 " 

We seem to see that dear mother again, and hear 
that loved voice that so often soothed our childhood's 
sorrows; and we again see that dear old home, and 
brothers and sisters, some in the grave, and others 
" scattered far and wide, by mountain, stream, and 
sea." We stand again in that peaceful old graveyard, 
where the grass is growing green on many a grave, 
and where, pei'haps, we have shed many a bitter tear; 
or we are carried away by the force of association, to 
some little room, where a dear Christian friend calmly 
and peacefully entered the valley of the shadow of 



LIGHTS \VND SHADOWS OF AKMY LIFE. CO 

death, and we seem to hear again his shouts of tri- 
umph, as he neared the celestial city, "Tlianks be to 
God, Avho giveth us the victory through our Lord 
Jesus Christ ! " 

There is one hymn which, perhaps, more than any 
other, awakens sweet and tender emotions in the truly 
Christian heart, because of its frequent association 
with all that is peaceful, hopeful, and glorious in 
death-bed experiences. The hymn referred to con- 
tains the following sweet and soul-thrilling lines : 

" Jesus can make a dying bed 

Feel soft as downy pillows are; 
While on his breast I lean my head, 
And sweetly breathe my life out there." 

These lines have always been peculiarly interesting 
to me, as expressing the calm repose and childlike con- 
fidence which the believer enjoys while "waiting, only 
waiting, till the dawning of the day," when he shall 
be wafted to the realms of immortality. But to some 
whose duties called them to minister to the wants of 
the sick and wounded in the hospital at Raleigh, they 
are invested with more than common interest. When- 
ever I hear them read or sung, they bring before me 
one of the most thrillingly interesting and peaceful 
death-beds I have ever seen. 

Among those brought from Princeton, spoken of in 
a preceding chapter, was a young man, very severely 
wounded. There was something about him which was 
very prepossessing. lie had such an air of manly 
dignity, intelligence, and refinement, that no one could 
be long beside him without feeling a deep interest in 



70 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 



him, and having the desire to render him as comfort- 
able as possible. Shortly after he arrived, the sur- 
geons decided that amputation of the leg was abso- 
lutely necessary. A few hours before the operation 
was performed, I had a long and interesting conver- 
sation with him. He said that he was blessed Avith 
kind, Christian parents, who had set before him a 
godly example. He made very special reference to 
his mother, speaking of her in the most respectful and 
affectionate language. With tenderest emotion, he 
spoke of his being a child of many prayers — the young- 
est of the family — and how peaceful and happy was 
home — dear, sweet home — sanctified by the daily of- 
ferings on the family altar! "And I may never see 
home again — I may die here, far from friends, and — 
and — 0, if I could just get home !" 

He spoke these words in a low, sad tone, while a tear 
glistened on his cheek and his whole body quivered in 
agony. 

"And if you were to die here," I asked, "what do 
you think -would be your prospects for eternity? Do 
you feel prepared to meet God?" 

"No," said he, "I am afraid not. At least I don't 
feel happy in the thought of dying. I knoAV that God 
is merciful, that the Savior died for me ; and whether 
1 live or die, I am determined, through grace, to put 
my trust in him, yet I want something.''^ 

"Have you ever been a professor of religion — arc 
you a member of any Church ? " I inquired. 

"No, I am not," he answered, "and yet I think I 
have sometimes enjoyed religion. But I am not satis- 
fied — there is something wanting." 



IIGHTS' AND SHADOWS OF AHMY LIFE. 71 

"Are you trying to throw yourself, <as a poor, lo.st 
sinner, on the mercy of God in Christ ? " 

" I am trying to do so," he answered ; " for although 
I have not followed the example of wicked men in the 
army — such as swearing and drinking and gambling — 
yet I have not read my Bible, nor prayed as I should 
have done. I feel I am a poor, unworthy sinner, and 
I pray to God for mercy." 

I tried to encourage him by repeating the blessed 
invitations of Christ himself, and urging upon his at- 
tention the glorious truth that " God is love." Poor 
boy ! his sufferings were very great, but scarcely a 
murmur escaped his lips. 

In the afternoon he was carried into the operating- 
room, and his leg amputated. While the wound was 
being dressed, he raised his hand, and laying it on my 
shoulder, as I moistened his lips with wine and water, 
he Avhispered to me : 

" 0, I have such a good mother ! if she knew" — 

A cry of pain, occasioned by the surgeon's needle, 
closed the sentence. I gathered from these words 
that, in the midst of terrible suffering, visions of home 
and of a dear, kind mother flitted before him, and, no 
doubt, he longed to lay his weary head once more on 
her bosom. 0, the sweet, tender, holy power of a 
mother ! How beautiful the web of love which she 
weaves and throws around her loved ones, so that, 
wherever they may wander, they feel as if mother is 
still near them! I have been among the sick, the 
wounded, and the dying, in the hospitals and on the 
field of battle, and have looked upon scenes of suffer- 
ing which no pen can describe. I have gone from one 



72 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

(lying soldier to another, hurried to the funeral of ono 
and then of another, and back again to my post beside 
the hard, hard pillow on which others were struggling 
with the last enemy. I have knelt on the battlefield 
to pray with the dying soldier as his life-blood oozed 
away, and his eyes were growing dim in death. And I 
make this record for you, mothers, that next only 
to the Savior — second only to the blessed name "Je- 
sus" — the dying ones have murmured in their last 
moments, and breath€>d in their last prayers, the en- 
dearing words, " MoTUER ! Home 1 " Your son may 
be thoughtless and wayward, and it may seem as if 
your pious example and oft-repeated injunctions have 
been all in vain, and your prayers all unanswered; 
nevertheless, remember that you have not only the 
word of the Faithful Promisor to encourage you, but 
you have under your control the purest and most ten- 
der sympathies of the human heart, through which 
you may exert the most powerful influence for good, 
long after your son has left your roof, and even when 
the grass is growing green upon your grave. 

Two days after the operation, it Avas my painful 
duty to inform my young friend that his days, yea, his 
hours, were numbered. 

" Would you be disappointed," said I, " if you were 
told that you Avould not get better?" 

"Well — yes, I would," was his answer. "Do you 
think I Avon't get better?" 

Poor boy ! even then Death's dark shadow was upon 
him. I answered, that it was not possible for him to 
live. 

"If that is so," said he, with an anxious, disap- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 73 

pointed look, "I hope God will have mercy upon me, 
and receive me unto himself. How long Avill I live, 
do you think — a few days ? " 

" No," I answered, " not many hours." 

"I wanted to see father and mother — hut — hut — ■ 
•well, I'll try to be resigned. Pray with me, chaplain." 

I knelt down beside him, and commended hiin to 
the tender mercy of that God who hath declared him- 
self as the Lord God merciful and gracious, slow to 
anger, and plenteous in mercy. lie followed the prayer 
audibly, and responded wdth fervor. I then repeated 
some of those texts of Scripture which seemed most 
appropriate to his condition, after wliich I inquired 
whether he could trust in Jesus as his all-sufficient 
Savior?" 

" I do n't Avant to deceive myself," said he, " but I 
think I can say I trust in Christ. I have nowhere 
else to go. I 'm a poor sinner, but I think Jesus will 
not cast me off." 

lie then requested me to write, at his dictation, a 
letter to his father and mother. I did so; and from 
what he directed to be written, I was enabled to know 
more fully the state of his mind. Having finished his 
little worldly business, and requested his pillow to be 
adjusted, he said : 

"Now I'm tired; I'll rest a little." 

Otliers in the hospital required my attention, and I 
left him for an hour or so. On returning to him, I 
found that he was fast sinking — his sufferings were 
very great. As soon as he caught a glimpse of me, 
he gasped — 

" You 're the one I want. Come, stand by me, and 
7 



74 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

speak to me of Jesus. 0, chapl.ain," said the djing 
boy, -with tlirilling earnestness, "you won't leave me, 
•will you? 0, don't leave me — wait with me till all 
is over, and speak to me! 0, this pain! Jesus — 
Jesus, bless me — keep me ! " 

I repeated to him part of the fourteenth chapter of 
John's Gospel, and when I came to the words, "I will 

NOT LEAVE YOU COMFORTLESS ; I WILL COME TO YOU " 

a sweet but melancholy smile lit up his countenance. 
" Can you take these Avords and apply them to your- 
self?" I asked. 

"Yes, yes, bless the Lord! I can — I can!" he 
answered, warmly. 

"Do you remember any particular hymn your 
mother used to sing?" I inquired. 

"Yes, a great many," he answered. 

"Do you remember this — 'Jesus can make a'" — 

" I know it," said he — 

'"Jesus Ccan make a dying bed 

Feel soft as downy pillows are; 
While on liis breast I lean my head 
And sweetly breathe my life out there.' 

"I'm trying to lean on Jesus. I think — yes, I know 
he won't cast me off." 

"Do you think Jesus loves you?" I inquired. 

"Y^'cs, yes," he replied, with great 'earnestness, 
"Jesus loves me — I know Jesus loves me!" 

"Here is a hymn I like," he continued, and imme- 
diately commenced singing — 

"Saj'j comrades, will you meet me? 
Say, comrades, will you meet me? 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 75 

Say, comrtirles, will you meet me 

On Canaan's happy shore? 

Yes, by the grace of God, I'll meet you ; 

Yes, by — the — grace " — 

He could sing no more! 

" I'm too weak — I'm too weak to sing any more, 
chaplain — but I'll sing in heaven, won't I?" 

The hospital was hushed, and the nurses, who had 
gathered rouftd this wondrous scene, were in tears. 
Turning to the nurse who attended him — a member 
of his own regiment — he thanked him for his kind- 
ness, and, stretching out his hand to him, said, with 
deep pathos : 

"Will you meet me in heaven?" 

In a few minutes after this, Death's dark, mysterious 
shadow passed over him. I thought he was gone, but 
he rallied again for a short time. Suddenly looking 
up in my face, he said : 

"What is your name?" 

I told him. 

"Well," said he, "I'm so glad you've been with 
me — we '11 soon part — but, ! we '11 meet — in — 
heaven — won't we?" 

" Yes," I said, " by the grace of God, I '11 meet you 
in heaven ! " 

"It's getting very dark, chaplain — I can't — see." 

"It will soon be light," I replied, "for you will 
goon be where there is no night." 

He asked for some water, and after he had taken a 
little, he stretched out both hands, and in a mournful, 
pathetic manner, cried out : 

"Lord Jesus, come and take me! Blessed Savior, 



76 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

take me in thy arms — I am so weary — I 'm so Aveary ! 
Come, dear Savior, come!" 

"Is the Savior precious to you?" I inquired. 

"Yes, he is precious," was the reply. 

"Do you think he loves you?" I again inquired. 
With tlirilling earnestness, though Avith feeble voice, 
he replied : 

"I know he loves me — 0! yes, I know he loves 
me. And now i'm going," he continued; "I'll soon 
be in heaven." 

He fixed a long, Avistful gaze upon me, and his 
countenance assumed once more the dark hue of 
death. Raising, with great effort, both hands, he 
clasped me round the neck as I stooped over him, 
and, drawing me down, kissed me affectionately, and 
whispered : 

"When you see — my — mother, tell her — I — I — 
died a Christian and — and" — 

The sentence was finished in heaven! Dear, pa- 
tient boy ! when torn, mangled, dying, thy brave 
heart yearned for home, and a mother's tender care 
and soothing words; but now thou art safely in the 
home of God. But if departed spirits ever look 
down upon this earth, perhaps thou art hovering near 
me, as I pen these lines to the praise of that Savior 
with whom thou art now dwelling! No wonder 1 
contrasted the condition of this boy with the hnes 
which he quoted: 

" Jesus can make a dying bed 

Feel soft as downy pillows are." 

"Soft!" — a little straw laid on a few rough boards! 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 77 

"Downy pillows ! " — liis weary head was laid on a hard 
knapsack ! Yet Jesus made that hard pillow soft, and 
around that humble cot on which lay this suffering 
boy, angels from heaven were hovering, and, when his 
last battle was fought, they wafted him to the bosom 
of Jesus. 

So died J. L. Ransom, of the Thirty-fourth Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteers. 



CHAPTER V. 

"Listen! I hear the harmonies of heaven, 
From sphere to sphere, and from the boundless round. 
Reechoing bliss to those serenesfc hights 
Where angels sit and strike their emulous harps, 
Wreathed round with flowers and diamonded with dew — 
Such dew as gemm'd the eyer-during blooms 
Of Eden, winterless; or as all night 
The Tree of Life wept from its every leaf 
Unwithering." — Festus. 

Flowers for the Sick. 

If it could not be said of Raleigh and ^'icinity that 
it was a land flowing Avith milk and honey, it might, 
at least, be said to be a land abounding with floAvers. 
Perhaps the veterans of some Ohio regiments who have 
often done picket duty on some of the bridle-paths 
leading to "everywhere and nowhere" in the woods, 
and whose eyes may glance over these pages, may 
say, "Yes, it was a land of snakes, too!" Well, it 
is conceded there were snakes in abundance. Ugh ! 
the very thought of them makes one feel " shivery ! " 
But, then, let us forget the snakes just now, and 
speak of the flowers. 

If the writer were inclined to be a pantheist, his 
pantheism would be limited ; that is, every thing 
would not be God, nor God every thing. He would 
(78) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 79 

make a selection from the elements of universal deity, 
and would be in danger of becoming an out-and- 
out heathen — even supposing pantheism to be only 
a more philosophical system of paganism. There 
would be but three elements — or, if it suit better, 
three idols — he would worship ; namely, Children, 
Flowers, and Music. Or perhaps he might associate 
the three with the idea of unity, and thus have but 
one idol, a trinity; for children and flowers seem to 
be always associated together, and wherever there are 
children and flowers, there is music too. We might 
go further. Children, flowers, and music are asso- 
ciated with all our ideas of heaven, and there is not 
the least doubt that there are myriads of radiant, 
happy children in the better land, whose dwelling- 
places are amid scenery of exquisite beauty and fade- 
less splendor, and where there is breathed perpetually 
the sweetest music. Yea, may there not be infimt 
choirs in heaven, whose melodies will forever be the 
glorious echo of the child-loving Redeemer's words — 
" For of such is the kingdom of heaven ! " May 
there not be scenes of surpassing loveliness there? — 
and may not every hill and vale of that blessed land 
be beautified with the richest treasures of the floral 
creation ? And what of heaven's music ? What shall 
be said of those grand oratorios performed by the in- 
numerable hosts of angels and redeemed saints before 
the great white throne, Avhen the grand choral sym- 
phonies will be as the voice of many waters ? 

Speaking of flowers has led my erratic pen from 
the line of narrative. This is somewhat natural, al- 
though it is generally admitted that there is not much 



80 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

of poetic sentiment, except the epic, perhaps, about 
camp life. What I intended to say was, that one of 
the most pleasant employments I had Avhile at llaleigh 
"vvas to go out to the woods every morning and gather 
as many Howers as I could carry, and make bouquets 
for the sick and wounded in the hospital. The bou- 
quets were given in the name of mother or sister, or 
somehody else's sister, whose likeness they had laid 
away snugly in their knapsack, or placed securely in 
their bosom. A glad smile and warm pressure of the 
hand often told, more eloquently than words, how ac- 
ceptable the little gifts were. Some of the most 
pleasing remembrances of hospital duties and expe- 
riences while at Kaleigh are connected with the dis- 
tribution of those ilowers among the sick and wounded, 
and not a few truly pathetic scenes rise up before me 
as I pen these hnes. Too hallowed, however, by the 
sweeter and more tender and sacred of human sensi- 
bilities, to be revealed to every eye, they are vailed 
and laid away in the sanctuary of the heart, with 
other sacred memories of the past. 

Gatherixg Flowers under Difficulties — A 
Pleasant Position. 

On a beautiful morning in July, in search of flow- 
ers, as usual, for the sick and wounded, I got my 
friend Byron to accompany me to the Avoods, a little 
north of the camp. 

"While we Avero busy at our pleasant task, we were 
startled by the report of a musket and the whiz of a 
ball in too close proximity for our comfort. Bang ! 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 81 

whiz! luim ! ^v•llir-r! There goes anotlicr right over 
our heads. iMstinctively we make for the nearest 
trees, and get as close to mother Earth as possible. 
While talking, whiz goes a ball between Byron and 
myself. We ci-awl closer to the tree. Bang ! bang ! 
wliir-r ! shug ! The ball struck the tree I was lean- 
ing against, and I felt the jar very perceptibly! What 
in the world does all this mean? Bang! bang! whi/, I 
hum ! whir-r ! again, and the balls come thicker and 
faster. There was, after a few minutes — it seemed 
hours — a lull ; and, deeming discretion the greater 
part of valor, we threw a hill between us and the 
place whence we thought the firing proceeded — at 
least, we put ourselves behind the hill, which amounts 
to the same thing. I never let go my flowers ; but, 
somehow or other, whether they had wilted by being 
kept in the sun, or whether they had been too roughly 
treated for their delicate organizations, or whether my 
sense of beauty had been disturbed somewhat by be- 
ing under fire, or whether the ideal had given Avay to 
the intensely actual, I will not undertake to determine. 
Certain it is, however, my flowers were not so beau- 
tiful as usual that morning; and hereafter Avild honey- 
suckles, forget-me-nots, blue-bells, and fox-gloves will 
forcibly remind me of Minie balls. The whole Wiis 

caused by a mistake of Captain T , Avho had just 

come into camp with his company. They Averc 
firing off their pieces, and only mistook the tar- 
get — that was all ! I have a quarrel with the cap- 
tain yet for that, and I here revenge myself by 
putting his initials — S. T. — in good type, and wisliing 
liim swung off into — matrimony ! Hope I '11 be there 



82 LiailTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

to perform the execution. Rutlicr guess the knot 
"won't slip. 

Apropos to the foregoing, I may give the follow- 
ing as 

A Solemn Joke at the CiiArLAiN's Expense. 

One morning, -when visiting the hospital, anil speak- 
ing an encouraging \Yord to each patient individually, 
I came to one Avho had been severely wounded, and 
■whose suflerings the day before, while having his 
wounds dressed, were very severe. He was deathly 
jiale, and had a very sad, desponding expression of 
countenance. Believing; more in a jrood-humored 
smile and a genial, encouraging word, as being bet- 
ter, both for moral and physical health, than demure 
looks and sanctimonious sighs, I did the best I could 
to comfort and encourage him. In doing so, both re- 
ligion and patriotism Avere spoken of. Among other 
encouraging things, I told him — " That very likely ho 
would go home a cripple; that he would have but one 
leg on Avhich to journey along through lite; that ho 
might, perhaps, have some serious dillicnlties to con- 
tend ■with, but it Avould always be a great comfort for 
him to reflect that he had sullered in a good cause; 
tliat he had shouldered his nmsket in defense of his 
country; that his -wounds were honorable to him, and 
that God would bless him" — and so on. 

"lie's a secesh, chaplain — he's a secesh!" said a 
wounded boy, occupying the next bunk. "lie was 
wounded when bushwhacking us on the Flat-Top road. 
I got shot by some of the cusses myself. Yes, chap- 
lain, he 's a secesh ! " 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 83 

"All! hem! well! yes — licm ! " stammered I, feel- 
ing somewhat up a stump. " Seccsh ! ah — consider- 
able of a mistake," I continued, ti-ying to recover my 
equilibrium, and as gracefully as possible remove the 
underpinning of the consolatory edifice I had been so 
industriously and hopefully building. 

" But he is sorry for what he has done, and says 
he did wrong in joining the rebs," said the boy, apol- 
ogizing as much as possible for the wrong-doer, and 
magnanimously trying to take the edge off his keen 
accusation. 

Knowing that this little incident would likely get 
thoroughly ventilated, and be a standing joke, the 
chaplain was very careful to tell it to two of the most 
remorseless jokers of the regiment — Colonel Coleman 
and Captain Duncan. As it was, however, the chap- 
lain was bored slightly, now and again, by a good- 
humored reference to the circumstance. 



CHAPTER VI. 

A woman's estimate of a woman's value PRACTICAL MECHANICS 

AND ENGINEERS OFFICIAL THEORIES AND UNOFFICIAL REALITIES 

BRIDGE AND FERRY ENGINEERING A SOUTHERN BAPTIST BROTH- 
ER'S PITY FOR UNCLE SAM's SOLDIER-MECHANICS. 

What is a "Woman Worth? 

Do n't screw your mouth into a contemptuous sneer, 
nor draw down your eyebrows into a disdainful smile, 
my bachelor friend, at what, perhaps, you think the 
ominous title of this paragraph. It is not intended 
to give a homily on woman's rights nor woman's 
sphei'e. By no means. Such work would be super- 
fluous now. If woman has not asserted both her 
rights and her sphere, since this war commenced, 
then it will likely never be done. The author would 
state, however, Avith becoming modesty, that he con- 
siders himself quite orthodox on the " Woman's Rights " 
question, and that he is a firm believer in the doctrine 
first proclaimed in Eden, that woman is man's minis- 
tering angel, and that hers is a ministry of love and 

joy- 
True, woman sometimes falls from the high and holy 
position in which God himself placed her; and when 
she does fall, she falls as an angel of light — her de- 
scent is terrific ! When fulfilhng her blessed mission 
(84) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 85 

of love and gentleness, she diffuses a heavenly calm 
and peace all around, and makes the scene of her 
special ministry — home, sweet home — 

" The dearest spot on earth." 

But when her fine feelings are blunted, her sympa- 
thies chilled, her gentleness destroyed, her generous, 
unselfish spirit quenched, then is she seen, not as an 
angel of light, but as a fallen spirit, scattering fire- 
brands, arrows, and death. The histories of our Mar- 
thas and Marys are beautiful pictures of love and 
gentleness — the most beautiful seen outside of heaven. 
The histories of Herodias and Cleopatra are dark pic- 
tures of malignity and pride — the darkest outside of 
hell. A wicked man is barely endurable; a wicked 
woman is shocking. Low brutality in man excites 
your indignation and scorn ; in woman it fills you with 
feelings of unutterable shame. A swearing, bluster- 
ing man, who deals in human souls and bodies, is 
simply a loathsome brute, whose very existence you 
feel to be a huge excrescence on the body politic, and 
a ghastly mockery of modern civilization. A vulgar, 
boastful, cruel slave-mistress is a fiend incarnate, whose 
very delicacy of organization and acute sensibilities 
enable her, not to bruise with a club the human body, 
but to sting with the keenest anguish the human heart. 
The sight of a drunken man wallowing in the mire 
causes a feeling of pity, or, at most, of disgust ; the 
sight of an intoxicated Avoman causes your cheek to 
mantle with shame ; and, for the sake of woman's honor 
and holy position, you have an instinctive dread of 
others seeing the abhorrent sight or hearing the dread 



86 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

talc. When men conceal tliemselves behind trees, 
logs, or fences, and murder unsuspecting Union men — 
as has been done every day in rebeldom — the most in- 
tense indignation is aroused in every noble heart, and 
BAvift punishment is demanded for every such mur- 
derer; but "when women perform the same dastardly 
deeds, we stand aghast at the fearful revelation of 
female cruelty and degradation. 

At one time, two men were discovered by our 
"boys" putting poison in the springs near one of the 
camps in the valley — they were caught in the very act. 
In tAventy minutes these same would-be assassins were 
hanging on the nearest tree. A few days afterward, 
a woman sold poisoned cakes to some in our regiment, 
and two purchasers were brought to death's door by 
them — and what was done ? Nothing. Why? I do n't 
know, unless it was. on the principle that the woman 
who could fall so low as to become an assassin, was 
certainly in that state spoken of by the poet — 

"Where'er I am, 'tis hell! myself am hell!" 

These remarks are induced by the remembrance of 
an incident which took place during our campaign in 
the Kanawha Valley. Once, when traveling between 
Gauley Bridge and Charleston, on special regimental 
business, I applied at what was styled a first-class 
Virginia mansion for supplies for the inner man. The 
cavalry escort with which I had been favored from 
Ealcigh had turned back, and as they had led me on 
the gallop for thirty miles, I felt disposed to rest as 
well as eat. The information had been volunteered 
to me by a half-secesh trader from the North — who 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE, 87 

hadn't soul enough to see his country's interests ex- 
cept as they were connected with his two hundred per 
cent, profit — that the mansion in question was inhab- 
ited by the genuine Virginia ehivah-y from the eastern 
part of the State ; that the ohl gentleman was an aris- 
tocrat of the "first families," and the daughters were 
no disgrace to t^e old "Norman blood" — and much 
more to the same sort. 

Dinner being over, I entered the parlor, and, taking 
up a richly-gilded book from the center-table, I pro- 
ceeded to make myself comfortable for an hour or 
two. A dreamy, pleasant calm soon began to settle 
down upon me, the words were oddly running together, 
and "Nature's SAveet restorer, balmy sleep," was gently 
wooing me, when I was startled by a shrill voice, 
Bpeaking so harshly and abruptly that I concluded 
some sweet domestic misunderstanding had taken 
place among the fair representatives of the chivalry. 
Bang! went one door, and slam! went another, and, 
in a twinkling, a fair young lady of some five-and- 
thirty summers — or winters, if you like — was stand- 
ing, or rather stamping, before me, in the most ap- 
proved style of feminine scolding. 

"Dog-on them niggers ! Thar again — I'll be dog- 
on'd if they hain't torn my collar, and spoil't my 
'handkerchief — and — and — blast 'em all, they ain't 
worth their necks ! 0, if I had the training of 'em, 
I'll be bound I'd make 'em mind! You Sal, thar! 
tote them 'ar things this Avay, or " — 

What the terrible "or" was designed to convey to 
Sal I don't know; but the fair beauty's foot went 



88 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

down on tlie floor witli such an emphasis, that it 
seemed to say, " You '11 catch it, by thunder ! " 

Thinking this exhibition of ruffled temper was not 
designed for strangers' eyes or ears, I made a slight 
movement by way of announcing my presence. But 
this was entirely unnecessary, and I might have saved 
myself some little sympathy I felt fcii* the lady caught 
in the undignified position of a termagant, for she was 
aware of my presence, and turned toward me with 
flushed face — not of shame, but of passion — and apos- 
trophized me thus: 

" What a plague them niggers are ! Talk about 'em 
taking care of 'emselves, and all that 'ar! Dog-on 't, 
they don't know nothin'. I've got to follow 'em up, 
and follow 'em up everywhar, and show 'era how to do 
this and how to do that, and ef I don't watch 'em, 
and see that every thing is done as I want it, why it 
ain't done at all. They are a lazy, good-for-nothin' 
set — now that's p'intedly so. An' the more you do 
for 'em, the worse they get. They have no grati- 
tude — not they." 

Much in the same polite and lady-like style she rat- 
tled ofl" her eminently gracious remarks, and thus 
gave free vent to her overtaxed and amiable temper — 
as much, perhaps, for her own comfort as my edifica 
tion — and she finally subsided into a calmer mood and 
into the sofa at the same time. I frankly acknowl- 
edge that I felt first amused, and then mischievous. 
Keeping my face as grave as any New England dea- 
con's, I blandly questioned her regarding slaveholding 
kindness, the strong bond of affection between master 
and slave, so pathetically dwelt upon by novehsts and 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 89 

ministers of the Soutli-side school, und finally wound 
up by inquiring into the market value of human prop- 
erty in the Kanawha Valley. All of this seemed to 
have a very soothing effect on her irritated nervous 
system, and she spoke and acted very much as a high- 
toned, noble Virginia lady might be expected to do. 
In fact, she became quite communicative, and chatted 
away as if nothing had transpired to ruffle her amiable 
temper. In answer to a question relative to the value 
of slave property, she said : 

"Women don't bring as good a price as men. You 
can't buy a man for much less than fifteen hundred. 
But, law me! men ain't worth that no-how. Women 
ain't worth near as much." 

"What is a woman worth?" I politely inquired. 

"Well, that woman thar" — pointing outside to a 
colored woman busy with laundry work — " cost pretty 
high. You can't buy much of a woman for less than 
eight or nine hundred — no, sir, a woman that is any 
thing of a woman can't be got for much less." 

This last was too much for me. It seemed as if 
some horrid monster, half brute, half devil, had hissed 
in my ears, ^^ You can't buy much of a ivoman for 
less than eight or nine hundred dollars!^' And this 
was spoken of woman by a woman ! I had read and 
heard much of the horrid character of the God-ac- 
cursed institution of slavery, but I never felt such a 
thrill of horror, such a painful sensation of outraged 
womanly dignity and honor, as I then experienced. 
" Much of a woman ! " Woman, her personal appear- 
ance, her age, her abilities as cook or laundress, her 
affections as daughter or wife or mother, her keen 
8 



90 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

sensibilities, lier womanly delicacy — herself, soul and 
body, put in the balance, and her price estimated by 
woman at so many hundred dollars, more or less ! If 
a low, coarse, blear-eyed villain of a slave-trader had 
uttered these words, perhaps the revulsion of feeling 
would not have been so great; but that a lady should 
utter such sentiments, in a cool, deliberate manner, 
was absolutely horrid. I had a decided impression 
that I was rapidly falling from grace — that is, the 
grace of believing every lady an angel — and, lest such 
a calamity might befall me, I rose and proceeded on 
my journey. For days the words seemed to hiss in 
my ears, and I felt that this apparently trivial inci- 
dent was additional proof that slavery pollutes what- 
ever it touches. 



Rough and Ready Engineers — Axes and Rifles. 

In April, 1861, when the Massachusetts troops, un- 
der command of glorious old Butler, marched through 
Annapolis, on their way to Washington City, deter- 
mined to gain the Capital either through or over 
traitor mobs — it made little difference which — they 
found the only locomotive in the depot disabled, the 
railroad track torn up, and the bridges burned. It 
was the Avork of a few moments to find men in tho 
regiments who could both build, repair, and run a 
locomotive. Others could be found who had experi- 
ence in laying railroad track, while any number of 
practical mechanics and engineers stepped out of the 
ranks, and volunteered to rebuild the bridges. What 
occurred then with the brave Massachusetts soldiers, 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 91 

has occurred a thousand times since, in all portions of 
the army. Unlike the armies of the older and more 
warlike nations of Europe, which are composed mostly 
of professional soldiers, who practically know but lit- 
tle more than the duties which pertain to a military 
life, our armies have been made up of practical and 
experienced mechanics from our machine-shops — car- 
penters from our factories and boat-yards — molders 
and workers in iron from our foundries — practical en- 
gineers, conductors, and brakesmen from our rail- 
roads — steamboatmen and sailors from our rivers, 
lakes, and sea-coasts — lumbermen from our pine for- 
ests, as familiar with the ax, the drag, and the saw- 
mill as a lady is with her thimble and scissors — edit- 
ors, printers, dentists, doctors, and dancing-masters — 
shoemakers, tailors, and bakers — not forgetting even 
preachers, with all their reported leanings in the chicken 
direction. The Eleventh Ohio was a fair representa- 
tive of the army in general for mechanical, scientific, 
and literary resources. Bridges could "be built, loco- 
motives repaired, railroad track laid, ferry-boats built 
and navigated, saw-mills erected and kept running, 
roads surveyed and made ; ovens built, and bread, that 
would have driven a Frenchman mad with envy, baked 
in them ; watches repaired, hut not accurately timed ; 
teeth extracted, and dental work performed generally ; 
type set up and newspapers printed — vide the Weekly 
Invincible or Semi- Weekly Eleventh — could all be ac- 
complished within the limits of the regiment. 

There were two occasions when the more practical 
of mechanical and engineering skill was brought into 
more than usual prominence. One was when the 



92 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Army of the Kanawlia, under command of General 
J. D. Cox, moved for the first time up the valley. 
The first obstacle that required the special attention 
of the engineers was the Toco, or Pocotaligo Eiver. 
.The rebel General Wise had burned the bridge on his 
retreat up the valley, so as to retard the progress of 
the Union troops. When Cox's division arrived at 
the river, it could be easily forded at several places, 
but, as it was necessary to concentrate the troops and 
receive supplies at that point before advancing further, 
several days elapsed before it was deemed proper to 
cross. In the mean time, the river had been swollen 
by heavy rains, and was running bank-full. It was 
necessary, therefore, to adopt some means to eftect a 
crossing, as orders had been given for an immediate 
advance. The professional engineer, upon Avhom the 
duty of bridging the stream devolved, received orders 
to construct a bridge immediately — in obedience to 
which he proceeded to select a site, and ordered a 
detail of men to commence the work. The discovery 
was made, however, that while there were workmen 
in abundance, there were no tools Avith whicli to do 
the work. An order was immediately dispatched to 
Ohio for the necessary tools, and the prospect was 
that the army would be detained for at least a week 
or ten days. 

It was suggested to General Cox that Captain Lane, 
■vN'ho was a practical mechanic himself, and in com- 
mand of a company mostly made up of experienced 
workmen, might be of considerable service in erecting 
the bridge. The captain was ordered to report imme- 
diately at head-quarters. The General stated the 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 93 

necessity of moving forward witliout delay, and ex- 
pressed his regret that the bridge couhl not be com- 
pleted for several days after the toola did arrive, and 
thus the movements of the army be very seriously 
retarded. Captain Lane had already surveyed the 
ground, and formed his own opinion as to the best 
plan of bridging the stream, and consequently was 
prepared to give any suggestions that might be neces- 
sary. He, however, only asked the privilege of con- 
trolling the work of building a bridge, promising, at 
the same time, to have it completed next day. TJie 
proposition seemed so absurd, both to tlie General 
and his professional engineer, that they could not re- 
frain from expressing their incredulity. No time 
would be lost, however, even should Captain Lane 
fail to accomplish the undertaking, as either success 
or failure Avould be demonstrated before the tools 
which had been ordered could possibly arrive. lie 
was ordered, therefore, to proceed at once with the 
work, and the Assistant Adjutant-General was di- 
rected to furnish him with a detail of men. At Cap- 
tain Lane's request, his own company was detailed. 

Near the site of the contemplated bridge a raft of 
logs was found in the stream, fastened together in the 
usual manner. There were also two or three good 
dwelling-houses near, which had been deserted by the 
occupants on the approach of the Federal troops. On 
examination into the mechanical resources of the com- 
pany, several axes and two or three augers were 
found. These were all the available materials and 
tools that could be relied on for the construction of 
the bridge. But, if it be true that a Yankee adrift 



94 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

on a log is sure to succeed in making port, and even 
in successful "diskiveries," if he have just his jack- 
knife in his pocket, there was no reason to doubt that 
the Poco would be bridged by the extemporized en- 
gineers. 

The logs Avere floated to the proposed site, and 
placed side by side ; poles were securely {listened on 
the ends of the logs, so as to keep them in place; all 
the log-chains that could be found in the neig]d)or- 
liood wore used as anchors, and, when the supply of 
chains failed, strong poles were spliced together, and 
BO arranged as to reach from difl'erent points of the 
bridge to the shore, so as to keep the structure from 
being floated off by the strong current. The de- 
serted houses were then torn down, the hewed frame 
timbers were fastened on the logs for string-pieces, 
and boards were laid on these again to form the floor 
or covering, green withes being used to bind them to- 
gether. The work Avas commenced at nine o'clock 
A. M., and at two o'clock next morning Captain Lane 
reported to General Cox that the bridge was com- 
pleted. By daylight the army Avas in motion. The 
troops, Avith the artillery and supply-trains, passed 
over Avithout delay and Avithout any accident, so that 
before the tools ordered from Ohio could have been 
much more than packed, the army Avas safely across 
the river and thundering on the heels of Wise. The 
bridge Avas used during all that summer, Avithout any 
special attention being paid to it to keep it in repair, 
and the supply-trains continued to cross on it till the 
heavy rains and high Avaters of the ensuing fiill ren- 
dered it unsafe. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 95 

In keeping with the foregoing, was the Avork at 

Pack's Ferry. 

As stated in a previous chapter, the Kanawha cam- 
paign of 18G2 Avas opened in April, by the forces under 
General Cox moving from Gauley Bridge and vicinity 
nearly due south, with the intention of cutting the Vir- 
ginia and Tennessee Railroad, at or near Wytheville 
or Newbern, and destroying the bridge across New 
River, so as to sever that important line of communi- 
cation. The rebels had been able, by means of this 
great central road, to concentrate their troops at al- 
most any point with so much secrecy and celerity as 
to strike heavy blows on different points of the Fed- 
eral line, and by hurhng superior numbers against 
some given point, not unfrequently causing serious 
disaster to our forces before reinforcements could be 
brought up. Having the interior line, they could, Avith 
one army, fight on the Potomac to-day, and, before a 
Aveek or ten days elapsed, fight again Avith the same 
army on the Mississippi. The necessity of sever- 
ing this important line of communication Avas, there- 
fore, obvious. As already stated, the KanaAvha army 
moved forward in two columns — one, under command 
of Colonel (noAV General) Crook, passing up on the 
east of NeAV River, toAvard LcAvisburg, and the other, 
under command of General Cox, in person, passing 
up on the Avest by way of Raleigh and Princeton. 
The head of the column, under General Cox, reached 
a point Avithin a few miles of the railroad, had a se- 
vere fight Avith a greatly superior force, but, being 



96 LIGHTS AND SIIADO'WS OF ARMY LIFE. 

uiinI)lo to maintain its position, fell back to Flat-Top 
INIouutain. As a tribute to a noble regiment, it is 
"Worthy of note, in passing, that the Thirty-fourth Ohio 
fought desperately on this occasion, and so resolutely 
did they guard the trains, that, at one time, they had to 
cut their ■way through tlic rebel lines at the point of 
the bayonet. The hospital at Raleigh told the tale of 
their bravery and endurance. The other column, un- 
der General Crook, met the rebels near Lewisburg, 
and achieved a brilliant victory — the Forty-fourth 
Ohio, under Colonel Gilbert, covering itself "with glory. 
This affair took place on the 23d of May. General 
Cox proceeded to maintain his positions on both sides 
of the river, his left resting on Le^visburg, and his 
right on Flat-Top Mountain. To secure this, how- 
ever, it Avas necessary to open direct comnuiuicatiou 
between the t"wo wings of the army, and a point on 
New llis'cr, known as Pack's Ferry, was the only 
available crossing-place. Floyd, in his retreat from 
Cotton Mountain, in the fall of 1861, had destroyed 
all the boats that could be found on New liiver, and 
had obstructed the roads by burning bridges, felling 
timber, and by rolling huge rocks down from over- 
hanging cliffs in narrow gorges, thus rendering them 
impassable. The roads were obstructed, more or less, 
in this "^vay, from Shady Springs to Pack's Ferry, a 
distance of some eighteen or twenty miles. 

On the 25th of May, orders were issued to Captain 
Lane to take Companies G and K, and proceed imme- 
diately to clear the roads, put in repair the ferry, and 
build a boat capable of carrying five hundred men. In 
making preparations for the expedition, it was found 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 97 

that the tools necessary for the work contemplated had 
been left at Gauley Bridge, and no implements could be 
had but spades and axes. The orders, however, were 
imperative — it was an absolute necessity that commu- 
nication be opened without delay. The two compa- 
nies, numbering one hundred and thirty-seven men, 
immediately left Raleigh for the scene of operalion. 
Company G, composed of as brave and efficient men 
as ever shouldered musket or swung an ax, was under 
command of Captain Higgins — an old Californian of 
enlarged experience, true as steel in the hour of dan- 
ger, always cool, calm, and collected, and, be it whis- 
pered, a dry olc^ wag, whose jokes were as spicy as 
pepper-sauce. Company K was in no wise inferior to 
their comrades, but, composed of intelligent mechanics 
and practical engineers from Cincinnati, their intelli- 
gence and experience were only equal to their pure 
patriotism and unflinching bravery. Perhaps no offi- 
cers were ever prouder of their companies than Cap- 
tain Lane was of Company K, and Captain Higgins 
was of Company G. 

On the first day the expedition advanced twelve 
miles, halting for the night at Shady Springs. Next 
morning the work of clearing the road commenced in 
earnest. One-half of the men Avere kept under arms, 
with rifles loaded and capped, ready for any emerg- 
ency, while the remainder were busy at work remov- 
ing the obstructions. These were of no ordinary 
character. The road wound round precipices, ran 
zigzag with a rocky mountain stream, and, in its 
general outline, resembled an immense "W" — the 
apex, or apices, striking through some deep, precipit- 
9 



98 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

ous gorges in the mountains. Floyd's rear-guards 
deserved the credit of being skilled in the art of ob- 
struction, if nothing more. Trees were cut on the 
sides of the mountain and thrown across the road in 
such numbers and in such a manner as to form an 
immense network of logs and branches. Added to 
this, huge rocks had been rolled from the overhang- 
ing cliffs and rugged precipices, making the entangle- 
ment so perfect that the natives declared it could 
never be removed. Even the commanding officer of 
a reconnoitering party sent out from Flat-Top to 
examine the condition of the road, and the possibil- 
ity of building a ferry, had reported that less labor 
would be required to open a new road than to remove 
the obstructions from the old one; and, moreover, that 
there were no materials in the vicinity for building a 
ferry. On the evening of the fifth day, however, the 
expedition of unprofessional, but eminently practical, 
sappers and miners, formed their line on the bank of 
New River, at Pack's Ferry, having cleared the road 
and made it available for artillery and supply-trains. 
The greatest caution and vigilance were necessary, 
however, for the expedition was now in front of the 
enemy, and it was not less than twenty-four miles to 
the nearest support. The very first work, on reach- 
ing New River, was to have the position thoroughly 
reconnoitered. In doing so, it was found that at a 
point called Blue-Stone Creek, about four miles above, 
there was a tolerably good ford, and also a road lead- 
ing to the rear of the detachment. Another road 
and ford were also discovered at the mouth of the 
Greenbrier, about five miles below. Both points were 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARxMY LIFE. 99 

picketed as strongly as the force would permit, and 
the men so disposed and such general precautions 
adopted, that whatever disasters or misfortunes might 
happen the expedition, a surprise would not be one of 
them. These matters having been disposed of, the 
work of building the ferry-boat was at once com- 
menced. 

New River, for nearly its entire length, is a rapid, 
rocky, mountain stream. At the point where the 
crossing was to be effected it is about two hundred 
yards v»ide, and the current runs at about ten miles 
an hour — a slow pace for New River. About two 
hundred yards above the ferry, and as many below, 
*.he river rushes roaring and foaming over and be- 
tween immense ledges of rocks, and even at a low 
stage is an angry mountain torrent, rushing along with 
irresistible power. The difficulties of the undertaking 
will at once be apparent. One of the scouts, having 
received information that two gunwales for a boat 
were concealed in a creek about ten miles up Green- 
briar River, a small party Avas instantly dispatched to 
biing them in. This important work was accom- 
plished in about twenty-four hours, and was the result 
of hard and incessant labor. An old "dug-out," or 
canoe, was also found, Avhich answered the purpose 
of crossing the river, and was perfectly safe for three 
or four men — provided they were all experienced 
swimmers. 

In the vicinity lived a local preacher of the Hard- 
Shell persuasion, who was possessed of the happy 
faculty of always occupying the right side of the 
fence, no matter what troops occupied the country. 



100 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Captain Lane took a squad of men and made the cler- 
ical diplomat a visit — not, avc opine,- either for a "sar- 
mint" or prajer-meeting. There Avas something else 
in the "wind than either of these — something consid- 
erably more tangible and carnal, but, very possibly, 
considerably more useful and available just at that 
time. The preacher received Captain Lane Avith all 
the politeness and sanctimonious unction imaginable, 
and seemed anxious to show his visitors that he "was 
too good for any thing merely sublunary. lie "vvas 
asked Avhether he knew of any lumber in the neigh- 
borhood. He replied, innocently, that he knew of no 
lumber nearer than a certain point some forty miles 
up the river. That point being within the enemy's 
lines, the information vouchsafed was not of the most 
valuable chai-acter, seeing the lumber referred to could 
not be made available for present necessities. But 
something else was needed as well as lumber. Cap- 
tain Lane having noticed a quantity of flax in the 
barn, he informed the preacher that he would be un- 
der the necessity of having some of it, for the pur- 
pose of calking the boat he was now building. The 
preacher expressed great surprise at this request, stat- 
ing, at the same time, that, there being no materials 
with which to build a boat, of course there could be 
no necessity for having flax to calk it with. When 
he found, however, that he w^as dealing with one Avho 
was thoroughly in earnest, and that the flax would 
have to be forthcoming, he blandly promised to send 
some to camp next day. Captain Lane informed him 
that he would save him so much trouble as that, and 
would only take his (the preacher's) team, then at the 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 101 

door, and, with the aid of Uncle Sam's boys, he could 
easily manage the flax, "In the mean time," said the 
captain, " 1 will look around the premises, and see 
whether I can find any lumber suitable for our pur- 
pose."" 

The party accordingly proceeded to the barn, and, 
on turning over the flax, lo and behold ! a large quan- 
tity of fine planking was discovered, of the very qual- 
ity and dimensions suitable for boat-building. It had 
been very carefully hidden away, and, of course, the 
loyal preacher didn't know any thing about it! By 
this happy discovery sufficient material to finish the 
first boat was very soon secured, as well as other ar- 
ticles, such as tools, which materially aided in the gen- 
eral work. On the evening of the fourth day after 
the arrival of the detachment, a boat sixty feet long 
was successfully launched, amid the shouts and cheers 
of the one hundred and thirty-seven men, which made 
the woods and rocky sides of New River reecho again 
and again. Two days had been spent in getting the 
gunwales out from their place of concealment on 
Greenbrier, and in collecting lumber, etc., so that only 
two days were occupied in building the first boat. 

Preparations were immediately made for building 
another boat eighty feet long, which, in due time, was 
accomplished; the two were joined together, thus mak- 
ing a ferry-boat one hundred and forty feet long. By 
the time this was accomplished, a rope had arrived 
from Gaulcy Bridge to woi-k the ferry-boat, as it could 
not be managed with oars in such a strong current, 
and in such a stage of water. The design was to 
make what is known as a " flying bridge," or ferry, 



102 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AKMY LIFE. 

propelled by the current, having the boat fastened by 
means of a long cable to an anchor placed in a proper 
position up stream. The working of such a ferry will 
be familiar to most of our readers, but to the natives 
on New River, it was one of the wonders of the world. 
Some of them shrugged their shoulders and knit their 
brows dubiously, and evfen hinted that the devil, or 
some of his special friends, must be in the Yankee 
camp. The Ilard-Shell brother had owned both the 
ferry and the old negro who worked it for a number 
of years ; but such a profound mystery as an immense 
ferry-boat, moving from bank to bank so rapidly and 
regularly without oars or other visible means of pro- 
pulsion, was something beyond either of their wise 
heads. The old slave frequently sat on the bank 
watching with intense interest the movements of the 
Yankee ferrymen, but he would never consent to take 
a trip in the new boat, although frequently invited to 
do so. He would shake his gray head, and mutter 
something about " De old Debil pushin' dat 'ar boat," 
and that he " wasn't gwine ober dar, lest old Split-foot 
should cotch him." The preacher crossed several 
times, and finally took such an interest in the spir- 
itual welfare of the boys, that he kindly offered to 
preach to them on Sundays. The boys, however, 
were not hungering after such righteousness as they 
thought he possessed, and preferred literal immersion 
lo preaching on Sundays, believing that cleanliness 
of body was closely connected with purity of mind. 

Thus ended one of the half-civil, half-military ac- 
complishments pertaining to. the Eleventh while lying 
at Raleigh, in the summer of 1862. 



CHAPTER VII. 

CHANGE OF LOCATION BATTLE OF BULL RUN THE TWELFTH OHIO 

FREDERICK CITY, ETC. 

Change op Location. 

On Friday, the 25th of July, six companies of the 
Eleventh Regiment left Raleigh for Gauley Bridge — 
two companies, under command of Major Jackson, 
being left to guard stores till relieved by the Thh'ty- 
seventh Ohio. They left at seven o'clock P. M., and 
marched all night. Demonstrations had been made 
by the rebels during the previous few days, indicating 
a movement on our base of supplies. Heath's rebel 
cavalry had made a dash on Summerville, capturing 
quite a number of the Ninth Virginia, and rumors 
were afloat of a rebel column moving into the valley 
by way of Logan. But other and ulterior objects 
were in view; for a detachment had gone to Pack's 
Ferry, on New River, to destroy the ferry-boat which 
had been constructed by Companies G and K a month 
or two previously, while all means of water transpor- 
tation, such as skiffs and canoes, all along the river, 
were also destroyed. On the following Sabbath or- 
ders ^v"ere received for the remaining companies, A 
and E, to start for Gaulo}? at three A. M, on Monday. 
In the mean time, the Thirty-seventh Ohio had ar- 

(103) 



104 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

rived from Flat-Top. All these movements indicated 
a change of programme. 

Farewell Services in the Hospital. 

In the evening religious services were held in the 
different wards of the hospital for the last time at 
Raleigh. Strange as it may seem to those unac- 
quainted with army life, I felt loth to leave the poor 
fellows; and when the "farewell" and "God bless 
you" were repeated by many a wan, wounded soldier, 
whom I never expect to see again till the Judgment 
of the Great Day, my feelings nearly overcame me. 
The inmates of that hospital had suffered in behalf 
of home and country ; but many of them, thank God ! 
had chosen the Savior as the Captain of their salva- 
tion, and had been enabled to rejoice in the hope of 
heaven. The prayer of penitent souls had been 
heard calling upon God for mercy; the joyful shout 
of victory over sin and death had been frequently 
heard amid the suppressed groans of mortal agony; 
and, while to the physical senses the whole scene was 
indescribably sad, melancholy, terrible, the inner eye — 
the eye of faith — beheld the angels of God hovering 
over this dread scene of suffering and death, minis- 
tering to the dying Christian soldier, and ready to 
waft his wearied spirit to the bosom of the Redeemer. 
And ! was it not so ? During many a long, weary 
night, when every sound was a groan, and every look 
was agony — when the brave heart yearned for one 
last look of wife or sister, or father or mother, and 
thought so fondly and lovingly of the dearest spot on 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 105 

earth — Home — and wislied but for one eartlily boon — 
that of dying there — 0! was there not One stand- 
ing beside each sufferer, and, pointing to his own 
wounds received on Calvary, saying, " I am the resur- 
rection and the hfe : he that beheveth in rae, though 
he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth 
and believeth in me, shall never die?" Who that has 
ever experienced the love of God can doubt it ? Who 
that understands the deep sympathy and tender 
mercy and loving-kindness which form the essential 
elements of God's character, can, for a moment, doubt 
that the dark, dreadful scenes of agony and death 
were illuminated by his gracious presence? 

The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was also ob- 
served on this our last evening in Raleigh. We had 
secured a vacant room in a dilapidated house, and 
there we made preparations, few and simple, to ob- 
serve the Christian Passover. A rough table was 
procured, and for a table-cloth we used a copy of The 
American Wesleyan. We had no Christian sisters to 
prepare the communion bread, and see that every 
thing was neat and orderly as becometh every thing 
pertaining to this holy ordinance ; nevertheless, mat- 
ters were so managed that the communion-table, and 
all that appertained to it, was as becoming as the ex- 
hibitions of Christian taste and attention I have seen 
in some churches. True, the table-cloth was only a 
newspaper, but then it was clean; the decanter was 
only a glass wine-bottle, but it looked at least a lit- 
tle better than a whisky-flask, which I had seen more 
than once on the communion-table of churches, any 



lOG LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

one of the nicinl)ors of "wliicli could have puiTliasod 
a silver-plated tankard or crystal decanter ■\vitli what 
lie spent in six months for tobacco. 

At the appointed honr for the services to com- 
mence, a goodly number of Christian soldiers assem- 
bled to enjoy the \vished-for meeting. After the 
cinnmunion services Avere finished, a short time Avas 
spent in singing and prayer, and in speaking of re- 
ligious experience. One little incident connected 
■with these exercises "will not soon be forgotten by 
those who were present. A young soldier, who had 
been severely w'ounded in the chest, and who, seem- 
ingly, had hovered between life and death for several 
weeks, and whose heart the Lord had opened to re- 
ceive the truth as it is in Christ, was supported to 
the meeting, and there, with tearful eyes and a coun- 
tenance indicative of spiritual joy, he testified his 
faith in a sin-forgiving Savior, and publicly acknowl- 
edged his discipleship by fulfilling the Savior's com- 
mand, "This do in remembrance of me." Weeks 
before, he had said, '"I will arise ami go to my Father, 
and will say, Father, I have sinned against heaven 
and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called 
thy son.'' He had put his resolution into practice; he 
had sought reconciliatiim with God through the fin- 
ished work of Christ, and now he could testify that 
"lie is able also to save them to the uttermost that 
come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make 
intercession for them." 

The regiment remained at Gauley Bridge from the 
2Gth July till the 17th August, when nearly the wholo 



LiailTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 107 

of the Kanawha division was withdrawn from the 
vaHcy. The Eleventh, Twelfth, Twenty-third, Twenty- 
ei^^hth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-sixth Ohio Kegiments, 
under General Cox, reached Washington City on 
Sunday, the 24th — and the Thirtieth and Thirty-sixth 
Kegiment.s having passed through to Warrenton, the 
remainder of the division encamped in the vicinity of 
Alexandria. We were now, for the first time, num- 
bered Avith the grand Army of the Potomac, and 
great were the expectations of seeing military life in 
its most finished and scientific forms. Newspapers, 
cast and west, had been filled with glowing accounts 
of the perfect organization of that army — of its effi- 
ciency in all military duties, its perfect discipline, and 
its unbounded coniidence in its leaders. But circum- 
stances were such that, however efficient and highly 
disciplined that army might have been, an unfavorable 
impression was almost certain to be made. Just at 
that time every thing seemed to be in confusion. 
With regimental guards in the camps, provost-guards 
on every street-corner, guards patrolling the city 
from one end to the other, and Avith apparently the 
strictest discipline everywhere, it seemed as if order 
and discipline existed nowhere. Without any reflec-. 
tion whatever upon the well-known and well-estab- 
lished bravery and devotion of that army, it seemed 
as if the causes for such a lack of discipline and gen- 
eral good order were not hard to discover. It was at 
the time General McClellan's troops were returning 
from the Peninsula, and when army movements gen- 
erally seemed to be involved in inextricable confusion. 
The general appearance of the men indicated the ex- 



108 LIGHTS AlSTD SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

posure, fatigue, and privations they had endured, while 
their battle-rent flags told the tale of that heroic 
bravery they had so often manifested in the face /)f 
danger and death. But, whether by mere accident, 
or on account of the incompetency or neglect of 
general officers, there seemed to be a lack of every 
thing the men required to make them feel as if 
they were treated with that honor and sympathy which 
they had a right to expect as men and as soldiers. 
Many of them, utterly reckless, gave way to their 
passions — mean, money-making sutlers, traders, and 
adventurers supplied them with liquor, which only 
added to the general confusion and disorder, while the 
utter absence of any real effective check, even on 
many of the officers, showed that something more 
serious existed than a mere momentary disregard of 
good order and discipline. The truth was, that the 
movements on the Peninsula, spoken of as being 
"profoundly strategic," "brilliant," "well-timed," "in- 
imitably grand," "successful," and even "unheard of 
prior to the existence of the genius of Napoleon," 
were but a series of huge blunders, and, but for the 
heroic endurance and unflinching devotion of the rank 
and file, together with the pure, unselfish patriotism 
and military skill, as well as bravery, of such men as 
Sumner and Hooker and others, would have resulted 
in disaster and ruin. That men, under such circum- 
stances, should give way, if even for a brief period, 
to discouragement and recklessness, is not a matter 
of surprise. 

As one instance among many that might be cited, 
indicating the want of thorough intelligent order and 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AEMY LIFE. 109 

discipline, it may just be stated that while the largest 
liberty was taken by the more reckless of officers and 
men, a general officer, who was in command of an 
army corps, ere one week had elapsed, was arrested on 
the streets of Washington, and lodged in the guard- 
house ! One of the most exemplary of men, as diffi- 
dent as he was brave, a total abstainer, recognized by 
all in his command as a good, religious man, as well 
as an efficient officer, it is not difficult to tell either 
his own or his friends' feelings when he was thus wel- 
comed to the hospitalities of Washington ! 

Our camp equipage had scarcely arrived, when two 
regiments of the Kanawha division were ordered to 
move to the front. Who gave the orders it was rather 
difficult to tell. It has not yet been very clearly as- 
certained, owing, perhaps, to the fact that there were 
many aspirants for command, and that there existed 
many and bitter jealousies consequent on McClellan 
being superseded by Pope. Be this as it may, how- 
ever, the matter has not been very satisfactorily ex- 
plained, although official reports recognized the orders 
and movements referred to. 

On Wednesday, 27th of August, at dawn of day, 
the Eleventh and Twelfth Ohio Regiments, according 
to orders received an hour or two previous to start- 
ing, moved out by the Orange and Alexandria Rail- 
road toward Manassas, as it was reported a rebel force 
was making demonstrations in that vicinity. Colonel 
Coleman had been summoned to Washington on offi- 
cial business, and, of course, knew nothing of the 
movement. The expedition was under the command 
of Colonel (now General) Scammon, of the Twenty- 



110 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

third Ohio. Before reaching Bull Run Bridge and 
■water-station, the rattle of musketry and boom of can- 
non told us that fighting had begun. In a few min- 
utes, ■\vc moved forAvard, crosf^ed Bull Run, and took 
jHisition on the railroad and in the Avoods above the 
■\vater-station. A New Jersey brigade, under com- 
mand of (jcneral Taylor, had been engaging the en- 
emy for about an hour, and by this time Avere falling 
back in large numbers — doggedly refusing to rally to 
the support of the Ohio troops. It was hardly any 
wonder. They had been recklessly pushed forward, 
without even the precaution of having skirmishers 
thrown out in front, and when exposed to a raking 
fire from batteries on both flanks, were so poorly 
handled by their general, that they lost all confidence 
in him. Some of the officers, it is said, begged him 
to order a charge, but he refused, asserting his belief 
that the batteries were not rebel, but Union, and that 
their mistake would soon be corrected. To stand al- 
most in solid column, and be plowed by grape and 
canister, is more than men can endure, especially if 
refused permission to return the fire or take the bat- 
teries by storm. General Taylor himself fell mortally 
■wounded, and the ranking colonel innnediately ordered 
the command to fall back. It ■svas just at this juncture 
that the Ohio regiments reached the scene of action. 

Major Jackson had command of the Eleventh until 
Colonel Coleman arrived on the field, which he did 
about an hour after the regiment went into action. 
Not soon ■will I forget his appearance, nor the words 
he spoke when he came to where I was dressing some 
of the wounded. The day ■was very hot and sultry, 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AllMY LIFE. Ill 

He had walked some five or six miles, and, as he 
paused a moment beside me, the perspiration rolled in 
great drops from his face. 

"Where's the Eleventh, chaplain?" said he. 

"Round that curve of the railroad, and just across 
the creek. You '11 find Company E in the ravine 
down there." 

" Have they been engaged long ? " 

" About an hour and a half. That 's our regiment 
that has fired that volley." 

"I could have cried," said he, earnestly and bit- 
terly, " when I came to camp and found the regiment 
gone. No one knew any thing about it at Cox's 
head-quarters." 

Away he went, with redoubled speed, and, in a few 
minutes, a hearty cheer, that made the welkin ring, 
told of his arrival and warm-hearted reception. 

But the contest was unequal. The little band of 
scarcely three thousand, all told, were contending with 
an army of not less than thirty thousand, under Jack- 
son and Fitzhugh Lee — in fact, a powerful column, 
moving up by way of Fairfax, Avith the intention of 
cutting Pope's communications and threatening Wash- 
ington City. 

The heroic stand maintained by the little Union 
force, and the peculiar nature of the ground, which 
favored bold movements without exposing our weak- 
ness, induced the rebels to believe that we were but 
the advance-guard of McClellan's army, swinging 
round to the support of Pope. At about two o'clock 
we had to commence falling back toward Fairfax 
Station, taking the most of our wounded with us. 



112 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Adjutant Alexander, who was Avounded severely, had 
to be left, as was supposed, in a dying state — two 
men having volunteered to remain Avith him. In a 
day or two these, with others, were released on pa- 
role, and returned within our lines. Before falling 
back, an incident occurred Avhich raised the two Ohio 
regiments very much in each other's estimation. The 
Twelfth had made a charge on a portion of the en- 
emy's lines, and, while doing so, were taken in flank 
and rear by a regiment sent out to cut them off. 
The Eleventh, seeing this, instantly rushed to the as- 
sistance of their comrades, charged bayonet on tho 
exultant rebels, and thus enabled the Twelfth to cut 
their way out, which they did in splendid style. A 
few minutes after this, the Eleventh was in nearly 
the same predicament, and required similar assist- 
ance, which was as promptly and as gallantly ren- 
dei'ed. In several severe battles after this, the 
Eleventh and Twelfth fought side by side, and they 
vied with each other only in bravery and in mutual 
good-will. 

Having reached Fairfiix Station, the troops were 
formed into a large hollow square, the railroad sta- 
tion being near the center, filled with the wounded. 
The word was passed around that no speaking louder 
than a Avhisper would be permitted during the night, 
and that the utmost vigilance Avould have to be ob- 
served. In the mean time, the surgeons Avere busy 
attending to the necessities of our wounded, the 
greater part of Avhom had been brought off the field. 
By ten o'clock every thing Avas quiet, save the low 
moan of some sufferer, or the suppressed Avhisper of 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 113 

some hospital attendant. There vrere no camp-fires 
kindled — not even a candle glimmered in the profound 
darkness that enveloped the little band — and each one, 
anxious, gloomy, yet hoping for the best, threw him- 
self down, if not to sleep, at least to rest. Following 
the example of others, I lay down in a vacant corner, 
expecting to rest with tolerable comfort. Very soon 
I was passing dreamily and sweetly into a delicious 
state of oblivion, when I was suddenly aroused by Dr. 
Gabriel, who informed me, in a low whisper, that we 
would leave in about twenty minutes. It was now 
about half-past ten. On looking around, I found the 
column already formed; but, with the exception of 
the long dusky outline against the darker shadows 
of the woods, there was nothing to indicate that two 
brigades were formed in line, ready to march. Mov- 
ing down the railroad toward Alexandria, in the most 
secret and cautious manner, w,q had not gone far till 
our advance-guard was halted by the rebel pickets. 
So they had us surrounded, without doubt ! " About — 
face ! " Avas given in whispers, and our steps were 
speedily retraced. Halting for fifteen minutes near the 
place where the column had been formed, we struck to 
the right, by an unfrequented road, through a strip of 
woods, and toward daylight reached the main turnpike, 
within two or three miles of our fortifications. It was 
afterward discovered that the rebels did have us com- 
pletely hemmed in — their ignorance of this by-road 
alone securing our retreat. 

It was a matter of deep and lasting regret to all in 
the regiment that our brave and gentlemanly adjutant 
had been mortally wounded. lie had endeared him- 
10 



114 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AUMY LIFE. 

self to every one in the regiment by a uniform kindli- 
ness of manner, and by a general deportment whieh 
sliowod him at once the bravo soldier and the generous, 
upright gentleman. The sorrow of the whole regi- 
ment — espeeially of Company I>, of which he had been 
lieutenant — was as honorable to them, showing, as it 
did, their appreciation of a good man, as it was to him 
whose early death they mourned. lie was brought 
within our lines in the course of a day or two, taken 
to one of the hospitals in Alexandria, wlune he died 
on the 25th of September. Peace be to his memory ! 
A martyred patriot, he tills an honored grave ! 

A Cur OF Cold Water. 

One little incident I feci inclined to narrate here — 
one simple enough in itself, perhaps, but not without 
some little interest. If circumstances often invest 
words and deeds with an importance and interest they 
otherwise would never possess, then the circumstances 
under which the following incident occurred will, per- 
haps, be a sufficient plea for its being recorded here. 

Dr. Gabriel and Pr. McNutt were dressing the 
wounded, at or near a little house to the right of the 
railroad, and, seeing me engaged on the left of the 
road. Dr. Gabriel had sent me a hospital knapsack, 
with what bandages he could spare. During the stam- 
pede which followed an attempt on the part of the 
rebels to tlank us, a man who had assisted in the ar- 
duous work of bringing oft' another, rather sevei-ely 
scratched in one finger, and who had gladly volun- 
teered to hold my horse, had rather suddenly disap- 



LIGHTS AND RJIAIXjWB OF ARMY LFFE. 115 

poarcd. A little colored boy had taken IjIh place, and, 
while liohlin^ my horse, wa.s observing, with great ap- 
parent interest, the work of dressing the wounded. At 
this juncture, orders were given to have all the wounded 
sent to the rear without delay; and, as if to give em- 
phasis to the hint, a volley was suddenly poured in on 
our left, which sent Minie balls whirring and humming 
around us. Not having any particular desire, just llien, 
to sec Richmond, and noting the rapid changes going 
on in all directions, I prepared to "change the base of 
operations " also. The wounded were speedily re- 
moved to a place of security, and I was making 
preparations to follow, when, feeling somewhat ex- 
hausted from the intense heat as well as labor, I had 
recourse to my canteen for a draught of water. Find- 
ing it empty, I gave it to the little colored boy who 
had been so bravely and patiently holding my horse 
for nearly two hours, requesting him to have it filled. 
With evident pleasure, he started in quest of water, 
but soon returned, saying that none could be found, 
manifesting, at the same time, serious disappointment 
at his want of success. 

At this juncture, Dr. Gabriel sent me word that a 
number of wounded had been removed to a certain 
point, but that there was no one to attend to them. 
He als'o suggested the propriety of having them re- 
moved still further to the rear, apprehending a flank 
movement, of which there was every indication. In 
accordance with such suggestions, I started for the 
place indicated, and got the wounded there sent further 
down the railroad. An hour, perhaps, had elapsed — 
nearly the entire force had fallen back to Fairfax — ■ 



116 LIGETS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

when this hoy came up to me, with a canteen in his 
hand, and, hooking up wistfully in my face, said, " Will 
you have a drink now, sir ? " Poor child ! he had fol- 
lowed me at least two miles to give me a cup of cold 
water! Perhaps some will say this is a very trifling 
matter to write about, but to me it was inexpressibly 
affecting. I felt as if the Lord had sent this little one 
to give me a cup of cold water, when faint both Avitli 
hunger and fatigue, on the battlefield of Manassas ! 
May that Savior who promised a rich reward to those 
who would give a cup of cold water in his name, have 
this unknown little one in his holy keeping, and give 
him to drink of that "Living water, of the which, if a 
man drink, he will never thirst." 

Next day— Thursday, the 28th-late in the afternoon, 
the great and disastrous conflict known as the second 
Bull Run battle may be sarti to have fairly com- 
menced. Our regiment rested on that day; but on 
Friday the entire division again moved to the front, 
and took position near Falls Church. Although com- 
paratively quiet along our lines, a terrific battle was 
raging elsewhere, and Pope was fighting against fear- 
ful odds. On Saturday, the battle was renewed at ten 
o'clock A. M., and from that hour till nearly six in 
the evening the roar of that terrible conflict contin- 
ued. Nearer and nearer came the fearful sounds of 
that bloody field, showing that our forces were being 
pressed back. That Saturday was, indeed, a gloomy 
day. The roads leading from Washington to Center- 
ville were thronged with supply-trains going out, and 
with ambulance trains, loaded with wounded, coming 
in. And not only was Government transportation 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 117 

crowded to the utmost, but all the livery stables in the 
city were pressed into service, and every carriage sent 
out to tlie field for the wounded. It was, indeed, a 
mournful sight — those seemingly endless trains of 
crushed, mangled humanity — all the more mournful 
when the fact was learned that a contemptible jeal- 
ousy, if not absolute treachery, had prevented re- 
inforcements reaching that struggling army when 
pressed l)ack by superior numbers. 

On the 4th of September, demonstrations were made 
by the enemy in our immediate front. Our pickets were 
driven in, and considerable artillery firing was kept up 
for a short time. The troops were under arms all 
night, artillery in position, and every tiling in readi- 
ness for battle. But those demonstrations- were only 
a feint to draw attention from other movements the 
rebels were making on the Upper Potomac. Next day 
passed quietly, with the occasional exception of picket- 
firing. 

A Short Sermon — Preparations to Move. 

As the army was now in tlie midst of an active 
campaign, and opportunities to hold religious meetings 
were but few, it was very desirable to improve the 
few hours of quietude that were given us on tlie even- 
ing of this day. Accordingly, the bugler sounded tlie 
"church-call," and very soon a large congregation hnd 
assemljled within the fort, and we had the prospect of 
an interesting meeting. Preliminary services had just 
been finished, however, and the text fairly announced, 
when Colonel Coleman sent me word that marchirifr 
orders had just been received. This, of course, had 



118 Lir,lIT8 AND SHADOWS OF AllMY LIFE. 

the eftoct of bringing our services to a sudden elose, 
and the brief sermon was, "^\nv, eomrudes, we huvo 
got orders to u\areh, ixud I must stop. God bless you, 
and make you faithful soldiers for God and your 
country I " 

Soon the camp-fires were replenished, and every 
man was busy in preparing rations for three days. 
At the ajipointetl hour, next nun-ning, the various col- 
umns were put in motion, and our faces were turnoil 
toward Washington City. This confirmed our suspi- 
cions that the reported crossing of a rebel force into 
Maryland was true, and that the National Capital was 
seriously threatened. It had also been reported that 
the rebels were in possession of Frederick City and 
llagerstown, and that they were holding high carnival 
in the beautiful and fruitful valleys between the latter 
city and the Potomac. 

The authorities being anxious seemingly to secure 
the safety of the Capital, the various columns were 
moved out toward Maryland, very slowly. Indeed, 
for two or three days, it seemed a matter of doubt 
whether the enemy was within five or ten miles of the 
city, so slowly did the army move. A day's march 
was usually from five to eight or ten miles, and it 
seemed as if there were a constant " feeling the way ' ' 
through from one point to another. I^Farching at this 
rate, the cohunn luuler command of General Cox 
passed through Ridgeville, on Thursday, the 11th of 
September — the rebel pickets retreating from the vi- 
cinity of the town as we approached. We halted till 
next morning, and, at an early hour, were again push- 
ing forward on the Frederick road. 



UaurH AND SHADOWS OF ATIMY LIFE. 119 

About one o'clock the rcljcl pickets in the nei;^h- 
horhood of Frederick City were driven in, and the 
urlillery opened on both sides. SimmonB'H and Mc- 
MuJlen'H Ohio batteries were both brought into po- 
Bition, and opened on the rebels posted at and near 
the stone bri<];^e which crosses tlie Monocacy on tiie 
east of the city. 'J'lie cobimn was forfnod in three 
divisions. One division moved across tlie fields on tlio 
Boutli, another formed in the woods to the east and 
north, and advanced on the city from that direction, 
while the center column moved on the turnpike and 
across the stone brid;^e. Our artillery and musketry 
being mainly directed to clearing tbe bii'lge, the 
rebels were soon compelled to retreat in no little con- 
fusion. They re-formed again still nearer the city, 
and in such a position as to command the bridge and 
approaches. But the three columns pushed on steadi- 
ly, nevertheless. The center, with the Eleventh in 
advance, took possession of the bridge, and drove all 
before them. At this juncture Colonel Moore, of the 
Twenty-eighth Ohio, who was commanding the center, 
ordered a charge, himself bravely leading. Two pieces 
of artillery were at the same moment wheeled into 
position, in such a manner as to sweep the road — the 
intention being that the party charging should open 
right and left, so as to allow the gunners to plow the 
ranks of the rebels on the road. The order seemed 
to be misunderstood — a momentary confusion ensued, 
and some of our cavalry (among them Colonel Moore 
and his aids) were driven back. The artillerists, with 
guns loaded an<l lanyard in hand, were waiting orders 
to fire. In the rush, some one drove against one of 



120 LIOHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

tlic gunners, jerking the lanyard in his hand and dis- 
charging the gun. By this accident several of our 
own men were severely wounded, and a momentary 
confusion ensued. The rebels, seeing their advantage, 
made a charge, and captured both pieces, and, with 
them, Colonel Moore. General Cox's voice Avas heard 
shouting to Colonel Coleman, "• "Will the Eleventh re- 
cover those guns ? " 

"We Avilll" was the instantaneous reply of Cole- 
man. "Now," said he, addressing his men, at the 
same time Avaving his sword over his head, "now, 
Eleventh ! Ave nnist take those guns ! When I say 
' Charge ! ' I Avant you to charge with a rush, and drive 
those devils from our guns. ForAvard ! — double- 
quick — charge bayonet — march ! " 

With a deafening cheer, they rushed on the rebels 
like an angry Avave of gleaming steel, drove them pre- 
cipitately from the guns, and, the columns right and 
left moving simultaneously, kept charging on the 
double-quick, cheering as tlioj rushed on and on, up 
the road, through the main street of the city, and halted 
not till the enemy, routed and scattered, Avere fleeing 
in all directions! As the rebels rushed through the 
main street, Avith the Eleventh thundering at their heels, 
and the noble TAvelfth, Twenty-eighth, and Thirty-sixth 
coming down like tornadoes on their flanks, it seemed as 
if the pent-up loyalty of the citizens burst out every- 
Avhere, and in every form of demonstration. As the head 
of the column advanced, doors Avcre flung open, Aviu- 
dows Avere raised, and flags unfurled by the score, Avhile 
handkerchiefs, in the hands of hundreds of the citizens, 
Avere Avaved continuously. Young and old — boys that 



LrOIITS AND .STIADOTTS OP ARMY LIFE. 121 

could just toot " Yankce-doodlc," and gray-haired 
patiiaiclis, on the verge of the grave — fre.sh, rosy- 
checked maidens, all the more beautiful from the blush 
of joyful excitement that suffused their cheeks and 
added luster to their eyes, as well as more matronly 
ladies, rushed out impulsively, heedless of gleaming 
bayonets and prancing steeds, and Avarmly welcomed 
their deliverers ! Men and women, more thoughtful 
of the physical wants of the Union soldier, came 
running out of the stores and dwellings with water 
and other refreshments ; and so overjoyed and grateful 
were they, that many of them rushed into the advanc- 
ing column, and thrust their gifts into the hands of the 
soldiers ! As if by magic, the whole city was arrayed 
in holiday attire. Flags were waving from every 
house, and hats and handkerchiefs ffora every balcony 
and window, while cheer upon cheer went up with such 
hearty good will, and with such a genuine "ring," that 
no one couhl doubt either the loyalty or lung-power 
of Frederick's sons and daughters. I noticed some 
eldcily ladies wringing their hands in ecstasy, while 
tlio tears that trickled over tlieir furrowed cheeks told 
how deep and fervent were their emotions. One, still 
more demonstrative than the others, pressed her hands 
together, and exclaimed, in true Methodist style, " Bless 
the Lord ! ! bless the Lord ! " 

It was one of those eras that come but seldom in a 
man's lifetime — one of those strangely grand, sublime 
hours, or moments, rather, so full of all that is touch- 
ing and pathetic, yet noble and elevating, when a man 
who has any manhood, any soul in him, springs to 
the higher and purer atmosphere of the heroic in 
11 



122 LIGUTS AND SHADOWS OF AIIMY LIFE. 

thought and action ! The thrill of gladness^, the inex- 
pressibly delicioug — that's the Avord — delicious feeling 
of satisfaction ■which fills the heart under such circum- 
stances, is second only to that which the truly good 
and great experience when victories are achieved on 
the great moral battlefield, and when the Christian 
warrior comes oflf "more than conqueror through Ilim 
that loved us." The thrill of deep and intense joy 
may be but momentary, but it awakens in the heart 
ncAV emotions, opens up new Avell-springs of thought, 
and brings into play dormant energies. Any one Avho 
could not feel deeply and nobly under such circum- 
stances, and aspire to fuller and clearer views of duty 
in regard to daring and doing in every true and risrht- 
eous cause, Avould be unworthy the name of man. Un- 
like the emotions, of the merely professional warrior 
"who exults over a blood-tarnished victory, simply be- 
cause it is a victory and no more, the feelings of 
the Union soldiers at Frederick were those of men 
who peril their own life to save others, and Avho strike 
for victory because victory brings life and liberty. 

There are times when men live a lifetime in a few 
monicnts. Life is not so much days and years as it is 
thought and action. 

"Life's more than breath and tlie quick round of blood — 
It is a great, spirit and a busj' heart. 
The coward and tlie small in soul scarce do live. 
One generous feeling — one great thought — one deed 
Of good, ere night would make life longer seem, 
Than if each year might number a thousand days — 
Spent, as is this by nations of mankind. 
AVe live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; 
In feelings, not in figures on a dial. 
Wo should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives 
■Who thinks most — feels the noblest — acts the best." 



CHAPTER vnr. 

TiiK riiglit after tlje rebel forces were driven out of 
Frederick, our army bivouacked in the rich valleys 
Avbich stretch away in such beauty and maffnificence, 
till they are hedged in by the bhic, hazy mountains, 
or lost in tlie dim, dreamy outlines of far-distant 
cloud and sky. No movements took place, save by 
the cavalry, till late in the forenoon of the following 
day, when again the various columns were in motion 
toward Middletown. ]jy six o'clock that evening the 
advance reached Catoctin Creek, about two miles be- 
yond Middletown. Cox's division lay in line of battle 
close by the creek, and commanding the main road 
leading from Middletown to Ilagerstown. 

Cannonading had been heard nearly all day in the 
direction of Harper's Ferry, intimating that some 
demonstrations were being made against that stronf- 
hold. Little did we think that, through the treachery 
or cowardice of Colonel Miles, in command there, 
the post, with the valuable stores collected there, 
would pass into rebel hands, and that the arms and 
ammunition would be employed on the following day 
against Union forces. As if to mark, however, the 
fact that he who basely seeks his own personal safety 
at the expense of honor and truth, often lose both 



124 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AEMY LIFE. 

life and lionor by such conduct, Colonel Miles fell, 
mortally wounded, while waving, it is said, with his 
own hands, the white flag of an ignominious sur- 
render. 

On Sabbath morning — 14th September — at an early 
hour, the forward movement commenced. It was 
known that the rebels had taken a strong position on 
the hights commanding the Hagerstown road, a part 
of the Blue Ridge known as South Mountain. At 
seven o'clock the first gun was fired, shelling the 
woods on the right and left of the road, so as to find 
out the position of the enemy. And thus was ushered 
in the day of sacred rest — the weekly memorial of 
that day when Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, rose 
from the grave, the conqueror of death and hell! It 
was a lovely morning. However much the passions 
of men might be raging, and however fearful . might 
be the shock of war that would yet make the very 
earth tremble ere the shadows of evening would de- 
scend, nature, at least, was calm, peaceful, and joyous. 
The dreamy blue haze that covered, as with a gauzy 
vail, the mountain ranges; the deeper and brighter 
vapory covering that hung like a glory over the far- 
stretching valleys ; the grass and the flowers, yet drip- 
ping and sparkling with nature's dewy baptism; the 
glad songs of the birds, not yet driven from their 
Avoodland homes by War's fierce visage, which filled 
the woods with gushing, glorious melody — all told of 
Sabbath — sweet, sacred Sabbath — the day of rest and 
peace! And we thought of liome-Sabhatlis, too, and 
the sanctuary of God, and the voice of prayer and 
the songs of praise. Amid the roar of the opening 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 125 

battle, we tliouglit of brethren dearly beloved and 
longed for, perhaps praying at that very moment for 
those about to enter the very jaws of death ; and one 
great comfort in that dread hour Avas the thought that, 
in answer to such prayers, coming generations would 
reap the fruits of the day's unwonted and unwelcome 
work in a fuller and holier and more permanent 
heritage of civil and religious liberty. Many a prayer 
went up that morning from the embattled hosts of 
freedom for loved ones at home! .Many a brave, 
good heart breathed the wish into God's own ear, 
that if no more earthly Sabbaths should see them and 
dear ones nestling once more at home, sweet home, 
they might at last all meet in the home of God, 
where war's fierce tumults shall never be heard, and 
where the calm of an eternal Sabbath shall never be 
disturbed. 

Before forming in line of battle, there Avas suffi- 
cient time for a few who loved prayer to engage in 
devotional exercises. The 86th Psalm was read — the 
following verses being both appropriate and comfort- 
ing: "Bow down thine ear, Lord, hear me: for I 
am poor and needy. Be merciful unto me, Lord: 
for I cry unto thee daily. Bejoice the soul of thy 
servant: for unto thee, Lord, do I lift up my soul. 
For thou. Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and 
plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 
Give ear, Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the 
voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble 
I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me." 

At about eight o'clock the bugle sounded the 
advance, and, after crossing the Catoctin Creek, and 



126 LianTS and shadows of army life. 

moving a short distance up the turnpike, our division 
filed oft' to the left through some fields and an orchard, 
Avhere the artillery was already in position. Here we 
formed in line of battle, partly concealed by a strip of 
Avoods at the foot of the hill, on which the enemy had 
taken position behind a scries of stone walls. By this 
movement our division was thrown to the left of the 
gorge known as Turner's Gap. The forces of Gen- 
erals Wilcox, Hodman, and Sturgis followed close up 
in our support, while the cavalry connected our left 
with General Franklin's right — he being engaged with 
the enemy at a mountain pass a few miles further 
down. 

It was while we were lying in this position, expect- 
ing to engage the enemy every moment — the shot and 
shell from our own and the rebel batteries passing 
over us in all directions — that a little circumstance 
occurred that has often been spoken of by all in the 
regiment. Sergeant Wilson, of the Quartermaster's 
Department, arrived on the field with the mail, and, 
permission having been granted by Colonel Coleman, 
it Avas distributed — the men, however, keeping in 
ranks. AVhat hasty tearing open of envelopes! AVhat 
a lluttering of letters all along the line ! Then what 
absorbed attention! Little did the writers of those 
"love-notes" think, when writing them, that they 
woidd be opened and read amid the booming of artil- 
lery, and the explosions of shell that made the very 
earth tremble ! Little did they think how opportunely 
they "would reach some anxious ones, Avho, perhaps, 
would never see home nor friends again. Lerhaps as 
little did they understand how much true comfort those 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 127 

letters would give in the hour of peril, nor how much 
they would strengthen both the heart and hand of the 
patriot soldier on the field. 

Perhaps I ought to apologize for obtruding any 
thing of a merely personal character into these Lights 
and Shadows, when reference is made to personal 
experience, under such circumstances. A sufficient 
apology will, it is hoped, be found in the fact that 
acknowledgments of benefits received, both from the 
Infinite Father and from our brother man, are emi- 
nently proper, and have a salutary influence both 
upon ourselves and others. Among other letters re- 
ceived that morning, was one from Professor James 
McEldowney, of Adrian College. I read it while the 
shot and shell were screaming and bursting in all 
directions, and while the earth was trembling under 
the fearful roar of musketry and artillery. Nothing 
could have been more in keeping with my circum- 
stances than the tone and spirit of that letter, and I 
felt a new impulse of humble faith in God's protect- 
ing care when I read the following lines: "We con- 
tinue to pray and hope for your preservation. Under 
the protection of Heaven we know you are safe, as 
even the hairs of your head are numbered." It was 
as if an angel had spoken, or as if the Savior him- 
self had come near to cheer and strengthen in antici- 
pation of the trials and dangers of that fearful day ! 
I felt greatly refreshed in spirit; and in the two or 
three minutes of communion with God, during which 
I tried to rise to the full appreciation of those pre- 
cious words, I felt as much, if not more, of heaven 
and of heaven's peace, than I remember ever to 



128 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

liiive enjoyed even -when blessed Avitli the Lallowed 
privileges of the sanctuary. But the tide of battle 
rolled toward us, and in a few minutes the regiment 
was facing the enemy. 

Dr. Holmes, brigade surgeon on General Cox's 
staff, having selected a suitable place — not very suit- 
able, as was soon discovered — for a temporary field 
hospital, at the request of Dr. Gabriel I went down 
through a ravine to our regiment, to give directions 
to the hospital corps for bringing off the wounded. 
The Eleventh and Twenty-third Regiments having 
made a movement threatening some South Carolina 
troops, in position behind the stone fences on the 
ridge, drew the enemy's fire, which sent the mus- 
ket-balls hissing and Avhizzing all around, and which 
cut the twigs and leaves like a storm of hail. I 
had just called the attention of the hospital assist- 
ants to the directions indicated, and Avas turning to 
leave them, when this unpleasant salute came in our 
faces. For a short time it was exceedingly doubtful 
whether some of us would not require assistance be- 
fore getting out of that place. As it was, there were 
very sudden exhibitions of profound humility on the 
part of all ; for we crouched very closely and lovingly 
beside some low friendly rocks. We could hear the 
spent musket-balls pattering, like rain-drops, on the 
huge bowlders for several minutes, while others hissed 
and hummed in most uncomfortable proximity to our 
ears. Another tremendous volley was fired, followed 
by the cheers of the Twenty-third Ohio, as it dashed 
on the Twenty-third South Carolina, which was hold- 
ing a strong position behind a stone wall. Another 



LiailTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 129 

cheer, and no more Soutli Carolina bullets hissed 
among those boulders and trees for that day ! " The 
psalm-singers of the Western Reserve " — as the 
Twenty-third Ohio was nicknamed — from the hotbed 
of Abolitionism in the North, had met the boastful 
champions of wrong and robbery, from the hotbed 
of oppression and treason in the South ; but Free- 
dom's steel, stronger than Slavery's bullets, had sig- 
nally triumphed ! Meantime, George — do n't know 
his surname, if he had one; very likely he had, but 
surnames in the South are not always very honorable 
to those from whom they are derived — George, our 
bright, sharp-eyed contraband, came staggering along, 
with a wounded artillerist on his back. It was Cor- 
poral Jnmes, of McMullen's ]>attery, a young friend 
of mine from Troy, Ohio. He was very pale, but 
cheerful and bright as ever. His replies to my in- 
quiries were characteristic. 

"Why! is that you, Charley? Where are you 
wounded? " 

"0, it's only a flesh-wound. Wouldn't have left, 
only couldn't stand. The lieutenant Avas wounded 
too. We peppered them, though!" 

With all his cheerfulness, however, he was quite se- 
verely wounded, a musket-ball having passed through 
his leg. I learned afterward, from those who noticed 
the splendid workings of McMullen's Battery, that 
Corporal James had distinguished himself by his cool- 
ness and bravery. He had stood by his gun till the 
last, and when he was shot dov/n, there was not an- 
other left to reload the piece. The two batteries — 
Simmons's and McMullen's — were, perhaps, the most 



130 LIUIITS AND SHADOWS OF AUMY LIFE. 

exposed of any of onv batteries on that part of the 
field, and tliey suftered aeeordingly. 

A isliort time elapsed, and I returned to the am- 
hulanees, to assist the suri^eons in earing for the 
Avounded. Dr. Gabriel "was eni^aged near a littlo 
house on the left of the road, and Dr. jNIeNutt and 
nivself took eharge of those brought to the plaee first 
indicated, a fe^v hundred yards further to the left. I 
had just finished dressing Charley's wound, and eoni- 
nieneed attending to the wants of another, when An- 
drew Thompson, of Company II, was brought oft", se- 
verely wounded. By this time, the battle was raging 
fearfull3\ The indeseribable noise of the contending 
hosts, as they swayed to and fro, like the surging 
billows of. the ocean ; the sharp, continuous roll and 
rattle of musketry ; the deep, deafening boom of the 
artillery, and the crashing, shrieking shell, together 
with the short, sharp hiss of grape and canister, told 
a fearful and bloody tale. The wounded were being 
brought off in large numbers, and every available help 
was required. It was then that Andrew was car- 
ried to us. We had just put our fingers on the spot 
where the niusket-ball — having pierced his lungs — was 
lodged in the muscles of the shoulder, and were about 
to extract it, when a shell hissed close by us, explod- 
ing in an instant. Another and another succeeded, in 
quick succession, until it seemed as if the rebels had 
taken our ambulances as their target. In the trees, 
over our heads, on our right and left, shot and shell, 
and finally grape, raged and roared around and above 
us like some fearful, driving storm. During a mo- 
mentary lull we tried to get the ambulances moved to 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 131 

h point Avhich .seemed to promise greater security, but 
the drivers either got confused or frightened, and a 
few minutes — "wliich seemed hours — elapsed before we 
got them to understand what was wanted. We had just 
got the ambulances fairly in motion, when again the 
artillery opened, and the iron hail was plunging and 
shrieking once more among us. Some of the wounded 
were brought to within a few yards of where surgeons 
were at work, only to be torn in pieces by grape-shot 
or fragments of shell. One poor fellow, perfectly 
helpless, was laid down, as was supposed, in the safest 
place, and scarcely had the assistants turned from him, 
w'lien a shell cut him nearly in two! For a few min- 
utes, it seemed as if the wary gates of perdition itself 
were opened, and as if the unquenchable fires were 
hissing and roaring around and above us. There 
seemed to be no avenue of escape — no shelter from 
the incessant, pitiless, fiery storm. We were literally 
surrounded with fire. There was scarcely any hope 
that either ambulances or wounded, or, indeed, any one, 
would ever get out! George was holding my horse, 
under shelter of a rock; but he could stand it no 
longer, and he bolted as speedily, if not as gracefully, 
as possible. At the same instant, almost, some grape 
went plowing under my horse, throwing dust and 
gravel all about him, and away he went, snorting and 
scampering over the field. Dr. Gabriel was faring no 
better. A fragment of shell had come close enough 
to tear his coat; another piece struck him lightly on 
the leg, while another passed harmlessly under his 
horse. At last, the ambulances, with the wounded, 
were got into the road by which we had entered the 



132 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

field, and a new and safer place was sought for a field- 
hospital. While descending the hill, on the left of 
which Avas a strip of heavy timher, the rebels began 
shelling the Avoods with the evident intention of clear- 
ing them of troops getting into position, and it was 
not till one of our batteries — McMullen's it Avas after- 
ward discovered — seeing the danger, opened a concen- 
trated and continuous fire on the rebel battery, and 
finally silenced it, that troops could be moved up. A 
large stone house at the foot of the hill, belonging 
to a ]Mr. Yincent Banner, was selected for a temporary 
hospital, and thither the wounded Avere carried. It 
proved to be a most admirable location, for it Avas near 
enough the scene of action to secure attention to the 
suffering ; yet not so near as to unnecessarily expose 
either the Avounded or those attending to them. 

Sestgle-handed, yet Brave. 

While the incidents just narrated were taking place, 
a circumstance occurred Avhicli the boys delighted to 
tell. During one of the movements made by the 
Eleventh, to drive the rebels from their position, 
Colonel Coleman, unfortunately, Avas'cut off from the 
regiment, and, on emerging from a dense thicket of 
pine and laurel bushes, found himself confronting 
some ten or a dozen rebels, haAnng in charge several 
Union soldiers as prisoners. In an instant, he flour- 
ished his SAvord over his head, dashed right at them, 
and in a stern, commanding voice, ordered them, in no 
very complimentary terms, to surrender. DoAvn Avent 
every gun, and up Avent every hand, and, ordering them 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 133 

to fall in, he marched them within the lines — the 
Union boys and the rebels, meanwhile, having changed 
positions considerably. 

The Eleventh Hour. 

"Can't you do something for me? 0, this is 
awful!" said a young man, suifering greatly from a 
wound in the breast. I tore open the blood-soaked 
blouse and examined his wound. It was truly a fear- 
ful gash, and reluctantly I had to tell him it was likely 
he would die. Poor fellow I he looked up so piteously 
in my face, and said, very sadly, "Then I am lost — I 
must go to hell!" 

"Why are you lost?" I said to him. 

"0!" said he, in answer, "I have sinned against 
God — I have resisted the spirit — I have been a very 
wicked boy — I am lost ! I am lost ! " 

"God so loved the world," said I, repeating one of 
the most precious texts of Scriptures, "that he gave 
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him 
might not perish, but have everlasting life. God is 
gracious. Look to him for mercy : he will in no wise 
cast you out." 

"What is the use of trying now, after sinning as I 
have done ? God won't accept of such a miserable sin- 
ner's prayer as mine is for mercy, now, at this late 
hour. God! what shall I do? What shall I do?" 

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt 
be saved." 

" Are you a chaplain ? " 

"Yes." 



13-4 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

"Then, will you pray for me?" 

"Yes, I will, comrade. Let me put this wet cloth 
on your wound first. There, you'll feel easier now. 
And take a little of this Avinc, too — it will do you good." 

Kneeling beside him, for a few moments, I tried to 
preach to him Jesus and the resurrection. I told him 
that, sinful and unworthy as he might be, he was 
precious in the sight of God ; that the Savior had suf- 
fered and died for him, and that salvation was freely 
offered, on condition of trusting in Christ as his all- 
sufficient Savior. 

Others requiring attention, I left him for a short 
time. In the mean time, he was placed in a more com- 
fortable position. Returning in the course of per- 
haps half an hour, I asked him if he had ever prayed, 
and whether he could not pray now. 

" Yes," said he, " I have tried to pray many times, 
when I was a better boy than I am now ; and I have 
been trying to pray since I have been wounded. 0, 
Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me ! Here, Lord, I 
give myself away; 'tis all that I can do." 

As his eyes grew dim, and death's dark shadows 
were passing over his countenance, it was evident that 
this dying soldier craved but one earthly boon — that 
of being at home in this his young life's last hour! 
He whispered something about his far-off Michigan 
home, and sighed sadly as he expressed the wish to 
see home and friends before he died. But already the 
wheels of life's fountain were moving slowly — were 
about to stand still, and the silver cord was just being 
loosed! Death's mysteries were being solved no less 
solemnly, on this fearful field of carnage and death, 



LIGHTS AND SHADOAVS OF ARMY LITE. 135 

than in the peaceful chamhcr, where the dying are 
soothed with love's ministry! 

"Won't you stay beside me till the last — won't you, 
chaplain ? " 

" Yes, certainly I will." 

" Pray for me, then — pray that God may have mercy 
on me." 

I engaged in prayer with him. Soon all was hushed 
and quiet around us, save the stifled gfoans of the suf- 
ferers and the roar of battle. Surgeons and assistants 
paused, for a moment, and a little sanctuary was found 
in that place of indescribable horrors. 

"Did you hear the prayer?" I asked. 

" Yes," said he, " I did — and I have thrown myself 
as a sinner into the arms of Jesus, and he will save 
me. Lord, I believe, I believe ! Bless, bless the Lord ! " 

In a few minutes the suffering soldier ceased to 
breathe. He rested from all earth's battles — he slept 
his last sleep ! 

Patriotic till the Last. 

While the battle was raging fiercely, among the 
many wounded which Avere brought off, was a man 
who had received a mortal wound, and was evidently 
in a dying condition. As soon as he was laid down 
on the grass, I Avent to him to see Avhat could be done 
for him. Life's crimson current was ebbing fast a^vay ; 
his face was ghastly pale, and his eyes were already dim. 

" Raise me up — raise me up once more ! " said the 
dying man, earnestly, but feebly. "Now — there — tha<" 
will do. Give me Avater — water — Avater!" 



13G LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Water Avas put to liis lips, but lie would not drink. 

" Stop ! " said he, seizing the tin-cup with great eager- 
ness. " Here 's to my country ! Here 's to the glori- 
ous Stars and Stripes ! I die for my country ! Boys, 
never give up ! " 

Ilis lips quivered, and he fell back exhausted. My 
attention was called away by Dr. Gabriel, who wished 
me to assist him, and, as I left this noble, dying sol- 
dier, I felt to say, "Tbis is a scene of patriotivSin in- 
deed ! One thing more would make it complete, and 
shed upon it unfading luster — and that one thing is, 
the dying patriot-soldier looking to the crucified Sav- 
ior as the Captain of his salvation." Perhaps, poor, 
suffering, noble man, thy brave heart was resting on 
Christ, and thou couldst be all the braver in the hour 
of battle and in the agony of death because thou didst 
trust in him ! 

That scene will never be forgotten by those who be- 
held it. There was something about it so thrillingly 
pathetic, so truly noble and grand, and yet so natural, 
earnest, and honest, that it seemed more a scene of 
martyrdom than an event on the battlefield. 

He was buried, along with others, in the orchard 
near which he fell. Over his honored grave will the 
apple-blooms fall in fragrant showers of beauty, and 
the summer birds will warble the notes of a holy re- 
quiem. 

" Hushed be the song and the love-notes of gladness 

That broke with the morn from the cottager's door — 
Mntlle the tread in the soft stealth of sadness 

For one who returucth — whose chamber lamp burnetii — 

No more. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 137 

"Silent Jie lies on tbe broad patli of glory 

Where withers, ungariiered, the red crop of war; 
Grand is his couch, tlio' the pillows are gory, 

'Mid forma that shall battle, 'mid guns that shall rattle 

No more. 

"Soldier of Freedom! thy marches are ended — • 

The dreams that were prophets of triumph are o'er; 
Death, with the night of thy manhood is blended; 

The bugle shall call thee — the fight shall enthrall thee 

No more." 

Many a time I have felt to contrast the hearty zeal 
and devotion of that sohlier who had laid his all, even 
life itself, upon the altar of his country, with the cra- 
ven, cowardly croakers who, safely at home, and pro- 
tected by the patriot braves on the field, were, never- 
theless, sympathizing with traitor hordes — not, perhaps, 
because they really desired the ruin of the country, 
but because they placed their own personal selfish in- 
terests above country and liberty and humanity. If 
posterity will ever do justice to the memories of the 
Union soldiers who bared their bosoms to the battle- 
storms of an accursed slaveholders' rebellion, and 
placed themselves as a living, breathing wall around 
freedom's sanctuary, and faltered not when the day 
was darkest and the storm of treason howled loud- 
est, then posterity will also do justice to the memo- 
ries of those who, through a wicked pro-slavery spirit, 
sought, with remorseless hate and blind prejudice, to 
overturn the holy places of Liberty and Truth, and 
rear upon their ruins the polluted altars of Wrong and 
Outrage! The former, crowned with undying laurels, 
will go down to posterity as the cherished of every 
noble heart ; the latter, covered with eternal shame 
12 



138 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

and held in deepest abhorrence by all the good and 
great of all ages, -will be numbered with the Judases 
and the Arnolds of the world. 

On Monday morning, at an early hour, the work of 
removing the wounded was resumed. Going over the 
field, it was easy to see the sanguinary character of 
the struggle of the previous day. In many places 
the dead lay in great windrows, which seemed as if 
some remorseless reaper from Death's dark domain 
had come, and, with unerring aim, 

"Wielding a sickle keen" — 

cut down, with one fell sweep, the ranks of living, 
breathing humanity, and left them ready to be gar- 
nered into the silent, rueful shades of the grave ! In 
one place — a long, narrow lane, protected by a low 
stone wall, from behind which the rebels foujrht stub- 
bornly, and where the Eleventh and Twenty-third 
Ohio Regiments made some of their most desperate 
assaults, and finally drove the enemy at the point of 
the bayonet — the rebel dead lay two and three deep, 
just as they fell ! In another place — nearer the corner 
of the open field, and close by a small log-house, 
where the most desperate fighting, perhaps, ever 
known, took place between Ohio and South Carolina 
troops, already referred to on a previous page — fifteen 
rebel dead lay within a space of three steps! Some 
Avere lying with their hands stretched toward heaven, 
as if imploring mercy, or calling doAvn vengeance 
upon the heads of those who had led them into rebel- 
lion, and brought them to a traitor's fate. Others 
were in the act of firing, luiving been shot dead whilo 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 139 

pointing their guns at the bosoms of those who were 
defending righteous government. Others — friends and 
foes — had rolled over and over, as if trying to escape 
from the fiery blast, and in their untold agony had 
gnashed their teeth and bitten the dust reddened with 
their own blood! Others had crawled away into the 
shelter of some pine and laurel bushes, and, unseen 
by mortal eye, unsoothed by words of comrade or 
friend, had breathed their last! 0! it was a terrible 
sight ! Not in poetry or painting, or mere description 
of the historian, who deals only in "brilHant charges," 
"glorious victories," "serried hosts rushing to vic- 
tory," and "gleaming sabers and nodding plumes," 
but, ! in stern reality was this a battlefield ! The 
horse and his rider, "in one red burial blent," were 
here! and "garments rolled in blood," and corpses, 
stark and stiff, heaps upon heaps, were all here! And 
as I looked over this bloody field, and gazed upon the 
lifeless forms of friend and foe — those who had fallen 
under the glorious Stars and Stripes, and those who 
had met a traitor's death beneath a traitor's fiair — I 
asked, "0 God! who slew all these?" and the answer 
came back to me, as if in the low wail of a funeral 
dirge, "These avere all slain by the internal 

SPIRIT OF slavery! AND THERE SHALL BE NO PEACE 
TILL OPPRESSION IS DESTROYED. ThE SWORD SHALL 
DEVOUR TILL SLAVERY IS NO MORe!" 



CHAPTER IX. 

TUE IDEAL AXD THE ACTUAL A XnRlLUXO SCEXE — MY BROTHER! 

0, MY BKOTUER ! — ANGELIC WOKK. 

Miuil must love mind: the great and good are friends; 
And he is but half great who is not good. 
And ! humanity is the fairest tiower 
Blooming in earthly breasts; so sweet and pure 
That it might freshen even the fadeless wreaths 
Twined round the golden harps of those in heaven. 

Festcs. 

The Poetky and Eeality of "War. 

The poetry of war ! exclaims some one, in surprise. 
Has "war any thing poetic about it? Yes, it has; but, 
as poetry is essentially ideal, not actual, so the poetry 
of war is war only in idea. There is a great differ- 
ence between the ideal and the actual in every thing; 
and that which is simply ideal is one thing, and that 
•VNhicli is actual is entirely another. Ideal war, as 
presented to us on the pages of the historian, the 
canvas of the painter, or the dashing, brilliant, spirited 
letters of " special correspondents," is vastly diiVerent 
from actual war, as exhibited on the battlefield and 
in the hospital. Ideal war has tinsel and plumes, 
waving banners and flashing swords, wreaths of flow- 
ers and silver medals, the plautiits of brave men and 
(HO) 



LRJIITS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. HI 

the smiles of beautiful wornon. Actual war has 
huri;^er and thirst, cold and weariness. It has the 
saber-stroke deep in the quivering flesh, and the 
bayonet-thrust in the beating heart. It has the burst- 
ing shell and the hissing shot, crashing and tearing 
through solid ranks of living men like the furious 
storm-blast in the forest. It has ghastly wounds and 
"garments rolled in blood," the agonizing cry of the 
wounded, and the stifled moan of the dying. It has 
the crowded hospital, with wearisome days and still 
more wearisome nights for the sick and wounded, and 
where oftentimes — as after a battle — every look seems 
to be agony, and every word a suppressed groan, a 
petition for help, or a cry for mercy. It has the tear- 
ful eyes of those who look Avistfully for absent ones 
who will return no more, and it has the sad, sad sigh 
of burdened, broken hearts. It has Rachels weeping 
for their children, and refusing to be comforted be- 
cause they are not. It has lonely widows and deso- 
late orphans. And whosoever may causelessly and 
wickedly initiate war, has the execration of all the 
truly good, and the curse of a righteous God. 

Even when waged for a good cause — when it is for 
the defense of truth and righteousness, and is abso- 
lutely necessary to roll buck the dark tide-wave of 
human oppression, and to destroy the foulest trea- 
son — war is still a terrible reality, as the bloody field 
of South Mountain showed on this eventful day. 

Glad though I was that our arms had been success- 
ful — that the wily, unscrupulous foe had been driven 
back — it was, nevertheless, with saddened heart that 
I gazed upon the fearful scene. Time and again X 



142 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

felt to say, " ! Prince of Peace, come once more to 
our bleeding country, and say to the waves of strife, 
'Be still!''' 



"My Brother! My Dear Brother!" 

Would that my pen could paint a picture seen on 
the field where our regiment had been engaged. While 
passing through a clump of laurel bushes, through 
which the skirmishers had been pushed forward on 
the afternoon of the previous day, I found a member 
of our regiment leaning over the dead body of a 
brother soldier, while the tears were trickling over his 
cheeks. The countenance of the dead was calm and 
placid, as if stilled in sweet repose, or as if lighted up 
with the sunshine of happy dreams. At first sight I 
could hardly believe that from that body, apparently 
just composed to sleep, the spark of life had tied for- 
ever. But so it was. A fragment of shell or a grape- 
shot had crashed through the side and back of his head, 
tearing aAvay a large portion of the brain, but leaving 
the face untouched. And there leaned, or rather knelt, 
the brother of the fallen soldier, his hands pressed 
upon his face, and the hot tears trickling between his 
fingers — weeping as only brave men weep — and ex- 
claiming, "My brother! 0, my dear brother!" 

That scene was too sacred for intrusion. Words of 
common condolence would have jarred like a discord 
amid the subdued tones of anguish that burst from 
the lips of the living over the placid face of the dead. 
In its sublime pathos — its mingled bravery and affec- 
tion, manly courage and womanly tenderness — it was 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 143 

one of those scenes that can not be described, and 
which the beholder feels to be so sacred he must needs 
draw a vail over it, lest it be profaned by the gaze of 
some thoughtless intruder. It reminded me of that 
scene once beheld on the gloomy mountains of Gilboa, 
the very thought of which wrung from the heart of 
the poet warrior and king a requiem for the fallen 
brave, so inimitably touching and tender that it will 
find an echo ■ in every generous, manly bosom till the 
end of time. 

During this day our division lay partly on the crest 
and partly on the slope of the hill, from which, after 
desperate fighting, the rebels had been driven on the 
previous day. The Eleventh was posted in the woods, 
on the summit close by a somewhat level plateau, 
where Simmons's Battery had been driven, with con- 
summate strategy, to within fifty yards of the rebel 
artillery, and, being well supported and well manned, 
did much toward driving the enemy from that for- 
midable position. 

It was while the regiment lay here for a few hours 
that Colonel Coleman wrote his last letter to loved ones 
at home. I can see him yet, sitting under a small oak 
tree, with pen in hand, a book on his knee for a desk, 
improving the few minutes' repose in recording for the 
comfort of others his hopes and desires. With that 
frank, decided manner for which he was distinguished, 
he told me, in glowing terms, of the brave conduct of 
the regiment on the previous day. He had been some- 
what chafed and chagrined at some disparaging re- 
marks concerning the Ohio troops, reported to him as 
made by some thoughtless officer, with more brass than 



144 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

either brains or bravery. After he had ventihited his 
opinion about comparative merit, he exchiimed, with 
great earnestness, "I guess the old Kanawha division 
showed some of them how to fight within the last week, 
and we will show them again. The boys are eager for 
an assault — a regular storming of some battery — and 
they '11 have the chance, too, before long. There 's a 
big fight or a big run before us yet. I am just as 
much afraid of death as any one, but I '11 lead the old 
Eleventh as far as any one dare go, and I '11 do it, 
too, before long ! " 

The Wounded cared for at Middletown. 

As soon as the more severely wounded were atr 
tended to on the field, they were sent back to Middle- 
town, to general hospitals established there. It was 
about two and a half miles from the battlefield. All 
the churches — Methodist Protestant, Lutheran, and 
Presbyterian — and also the Academy building and some 
private houses, were occupied as hospitals. And not 
only were those buildings crowded to their fullest ex- 
tent, but many of the poor fellows had to be laid on 
the grass outside. The Methodist Church, in which 
Dr. Gabriel and I worked for several days and nights, 
was not only crowded, but on Monday night — the 
night after the battle — the audience-room, and lecture- 
room below% were filled from end to end, and even the 
aisles and pulpit and platform were crowded Avith the 
wounded and the dying, so that it was with the utmost 
caution and care that the attendants could move 
among them. What a sad and terrible scene! And 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 145 

yet, like the silver-lined storm-clouds of the early- 
spring, this fearfully dark and dreadful scene of suf- 
fering and death had its bright gleams of sunshine 
also — the sunshine of Christian hope and joy. Yes, 
and Christian effort, too — genuine, practical, large- 
hearted sympathy ! AVhilc great numbers of men 
were busy collecting bandages, preparing mattresses, 
bringing hot tea and coffee, assisting to unload the 
ambulances as they drove up in quick succession with 
their loads of torn, bleeding humanity, the ladies were 
also at work amid those terrible scenes of suffering 
and death, ministering to all with that tact and deli- 
cacy of sympathy of which woman alone is suscepti- 
ble. Like pitying angels from the better world, intent 
only on fulfilling some mission of love and gentleness, 
they moved amid those dread scenes of mortal anguish, 
literally dealing bread to the hungry, giving drink to the 
thirsty, soothing the suffering, and speaking peace to 
the dying. The objects of their pity and kind minis- 
trations lay there, in all the stern realities of fiery 
battle, helpless and bleeding, their faces begrimed 
Avith powder and their garments rolled in dust and 
blood — sometimes giving vent to their anguish in low, 
suppressed groans, or in sharp, short, piercing shrieks, 
all of which seemed to render the place and the cir- 
cumstances unfit for woman's keenly sensitive and 
sympathetic nature. But, although some of them had 
blanched cheeks and quivering lips, they resolutely 
went forward in their blessed work. There was one 
whose great personal beauty and lady-like deportment, 
as well as her kind attentions and winning, soothing 
language, seemed to invest with more of heaven than 
13 



146 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

earth. Dressed in a robe of pure -wliite, lier only jew- 
elry the ring on her finger and a small brilliant -with 
which her collar was fastened, she moved now here, 
now there, as an angel of light. Her husband, the 

E-ev. , was there also, aiding in the good work. 

Several times I noticed that her lips quivered and 
tears dimmed her bright eye, but she strove heroic- 
ally for the mastery, and only once did she give way 
to her feelings — when she knelt beside a dying youth, 
whose last words were of mother and Jesus and 
heaven. Seemingly, by tacit consent, she superin- 
tended the whole work of that ministry of love and 
sympathy. Her clear, mellow voice, soft and musical 
as a lute, could be heard now here, noAV there, during 
that day and the greater part of the night, condoling 
with one, encouraging another, and even breaking out 
into a low, musical laugh as some rough, rollicking 
fellow, with a ball through his arm or leg, told her 
how he " Had put a spider in the dough of some of 
the graybacks before he came so near having his own 
chunk knocked out ! " 

If even a cup of cold water given in the name of 
Christ shall in no wise lose its reward, then those 
noble women, who ministered to our brave soldiers on 
that trying and terrible occasion, Avill not be forgotten 
by the ever-living and ever-loving Redeemer. 



CHAPTER X. 

ANTIETAM ASSAULT ON THE STONE BRIDGE DEATH OP COLONEL 

COLEMAN VICTORY AND RESULTS DISSATISFACTION WITH GEN- 
ERAL MCLELLAN. 

Battle of Antietam. 

On Wednesday, the 17tli of September, the great 
battle of Antietam was fou";ht. It is not the desi":n 
of this unpretending volume to give minute or even 
general details of engagements to which reference may 
be made. As the title indicates, it is but Lights and 
Shadows of army experiences. Little glimpses of 
sunshine here, and little darkening clouds yonder — 
little incidents now and then — are all the author 
aspires to give. Hence, general details will not be 
given, being entirely outside the scope of this little 
work. 

But a word or two relative to the share taken in it 
by the Eleventh and other regiments. 

On Monday, after the battle of South Mountain, the 
army moved forward toward Sharpsburg. General 
Richardson's division of Sumner's corps was in the 
advance, and moved through Boonesboro' to Keedys- 
ville. The splendid Eighth Illinois Cavalry, under 
Farnsworth, was attached to Sumner's corps, and, as 
usual, pushed on in the advance. During that day 

(147) 



148 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

little more was done than to reconnoiter the position 
which Lee held, and post the troops as they came up. 
The forenoon of Tuesday passed without any general 
movement, hut, between two and three o'clock in the 
afternoon. Hooker, who was in command of the right 
wing, crossed the Antietam by the upper bridge and 
by a ford near Pray's Mill. Extensive cornfields, in 
the fullness aad freshness of the early autumn, 
stretched away to the north and west. In these, con- 
cealed by the tall, tasseled corn, were the rebel pickets 
and sharp-shooters. Hooker drove in the enemy's 
pickets, opened briskly with artillery and musketry, 
keeping up the skirmishing till dark, and that night 
his advance lines occupied a portion of the cornfields 
and woods in which the enemy had taken position on 
the morning. Meanwhile, Burnside, who was in com- 
mand of one of the grand divisions of the army, had his 
troops posted on the left, the most difiicult position in 
the Avhole field, the greater part of it being rough and 
broken, and shaded here and there by dense oak 
woods. During the night the Kanawha division, 
under General Crook, was brought into position near 
the lower bridge — Simmons's and McMullcn's batteries 
being so placed as to command the bridge and bluffs 
beyond. That night the troops lay on their arms, 
prepared to move at a moment's notice. 

On Wednesday, the 17th, scarcely had the gray dawn 
of the early morn revealed the dim outline of the 
Sharpsburg hills, when the loud, roaring echoes, roll- 
ing along the mountains and through the valleys, 
announced that the dread work of death had begun. 
Hooker opened on the right, replying to the rebel 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 149 

batteries with tremendous and almost uninterrupted 
explosions. The green cornfields in his front were 
soon ablaze with musketry, while dusky forms were 
seen to move hither and thither, or spring into the 
air with a deathly shriek, spin round, and fall to rise 
no more. For nearly four hours Hooker alone en- 
gaged the enemy. For some reason or other, the 
left and center did little more than maintain their 
skirmish-line, although the rebel artillery sent the 
missiles of death thundering and crashing over and 
among them continually as they lay in line of battle. 
Finally, at about ten o'clock, Burnside received orders 
from McClellan to advance. The order was : 

"You are to carry the bridge, gain the bights be- 
yond, and advance along their crest to Sharpsburg, 
and gain the rear of the enemy." 

The command was instantly given, and the extreme 
left was soon in motion. McMullen's and Simmons's 
batteries opened with grape and canister, varied now 
and then with solid shot and shell. Rodman's division 
was ordered to cross by a ford about a quarter of a mile 
below the bridge, and the Kanawha division, under 
Crook, supported by Connecticut and Pennsylvania 
troops, were ordered to storm the bridge. The Elev- 
enth Ohio, which had been deployed as skirmishers, 
was withdrawn from the skirmish-line preparatory to 
the desperate work, and the entire brigade formed in 
line under cover of the woods. 

The position held by the rebels at this point v,as 
the strongest on the whole field. It was a steep bluff, 
part of it a limestone ledge, along which the rebels 
had made extensive rifle-pits, and tlu'own up fortifica- 



150 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

tions of logs and stones. The bluffs and the ridge 
beyond were bristhng with cannon, which commanded 
all the approaches, while along the stone walls and in 
the cornfields the rebel infiintry lay massed in thou- 
sands. The bridge was a massive stone structure of 
three arches, and about twelve or fourteen feet wide. 
A short distance from the bridge, and half-way up 
the bluff, was a limestone quarry, in which were shel- 
tered sharp-shooters. The work to be done, therefore, 
on the part of the Union forces at this formidable 
point, was of no ordinary character. 

The fearful moment arrived. Skirmishers were ad- 
vanced to clear the bridge and ledges of rebel sharp- 
shooters. "Forward!" rang out along the lines, and 
the assaulting column charged on the bridge. The 
opposite bluffs and ledges and ridge were instantly 
lighted up with one long sheet of flame. Volley after 
volley of musketry was driven into the faces of the 
advancing columns, while the artillery swept the 
bridge with one incessant, pitiless storm of grape and 
canister. The head of the column pushed on bravely, 
but was seen to waver and literally melt away before 
such a murderous blast. In vain the heroic champions 
of freedom struggled against the driving storm of iron 
and lead that tore remorselessly through their ranks! 
In vain they attempted to gain the bluffs which, from 
end to end, were enveloped in one long line of flame 
and smoke! In vain they threw themselves forward 
with desperate energy to seize the guns from whose 
brazen throats were belching forth destruction and 
death ! After a heroic struggle, they had to withdraw 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 151 

from the unequal contest, and fall back to the shelter 
of a wooded ridge. 

At this juncture, an aid from General McClellan 
rode up to General Burnside, with the short, decisive 
order : 

" Assault the bridge, and carry it at all hazards ! " 

To accomplish this was an absolute necessity. 
Hooker, who had now been fighting seven or eight 
hours on the right, Avas being pressed by the massed 
forces on Lee's left, and the bridge must be stormed 
and the bights carried, at whatever cost, in order to 
turn Lee's right, and relieve Hooker. Burnside had 
but twelve or fourteen thousand men covering his 
entire line. The bridge and the bluffs alone were 
held by six thousand rebel troops, even before being 
reinforced by Hill's command, which, ere this, had 
come up to their support. Burnside sent for rein- 
forcements. McClellan replied he could send none. 
Burnside, whose eagle eye took in the whole position 
at a glance, saw that on that bridge hinged the for- 
tunes of the day, and that the position must be gained 
at all hazards. 

"That bridge must be taken," said he to Cox; "but 
you have n't force enough to do it." 

"I can take it, General, if you order it," said Cox, 
in his quiet, unassuming manner. 

Burnside was cautious — he was dubious. 

"If you order me to take that bridge," said Cox, 
" I '11 do it ! I know my men — I know what they 
can do!" 

The order is given, and again preparations are 



152 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

made to storm the bridge. In the grand assault the 
Eleventh Ohio, supported by a Pennsylvania regiment, 
is to advance so as to form a strong skirmisli line, or 
storming party, as circumstances may dictate, while 
Connecticut and INIaryland troops are also formed for 
the same purpose. Colonel Coleman has formed his 
lines; the regiment is moving forward — steady, de- 
termined, and hopeful — toward the bridge, from be- 
hind the massive stone parapets of which, as well as 
from the rocky ledges beyond, the rebel skirmishers 
and sharp-shooters are again keeping up a continuous 
volley of musketry. Just at this juncture Colonel 
Coleman fivlls mortally wounded, while loading and 
cheering on to victory tliose whose steady tread he 
knows so well, and whose tried bravery he can ever 
trust. Almost at the same instant Captain Weller, of 
Company II, is wounded, and both officers are re- 
moved to the rear. The regiment is, for a moment, 
paralyzed ; for they have learned to trust the skill and 
bravery of their fallen chief, and this is a trying hour. 
But there is no time to pause on this dread tield of 
death, even although the good and brave may fall; 
and, vowing to avenge the death of their officers, the 
troops rush forward, a noble band of brave men. On- 
ward, still onward, sweeps the roaring tide-wave of 
battle. The bridge is gained, and the rebel skirmish- 
ers are driven back. Simmons and McMullen now 
rain a perfect storm of grape and canister on the 
massed forces, who, with desperate energy, are striv- 
ing to hold the position. The rebels, on the other 
hand, are playing on the bridge, and the stones lly 
from the parapets and arches. Splinters of wood and 



LrOIITS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 153 

stone are flying in all directions, while the shell and 
grape-shot scream and hiss over and through the 
ranks of the advancing columns. But at last the cen- 
ter of the bridge is gained; then the western extrem- 
ity. Cheers go up from the struggling heroes, which 
are answered by others further down the creek. Sim- 
mons Avlicels two guns so as to sweep tlic ridge. 
"Hurrah! forward! forward!" is the cry. Tlic bluff 
is gained. Up, up the struggling heroes climb, or 
crawl, digging their hands or bayonets into the steep 
sides in their efforts to reach the top. They are suc- 
cessful ! The bridge is secured, after a desperate 
struggle. The rebels are driven from their rifle-pits 
and batteries on the ridge, and the glorious Stars and 
Stripes now gleam in the slanting rays of the after- 
noon sun! Lee's right is turned by this costly but 
brilliant movement, and the issues of the day are 
decided. 

The boastful slaveholding rebel — the notorious 
Toombs, who proudly prophesied he would see the day 
when he would call the roll of his slaves at the foot of 
Bunker Hill Monument — was in command of the rebel 
forces at this point. But the "Sword of Bunker 
Ilill" gleamed that day in his traitor face, and he 
shrunk from its keen, conquering edge. So let it 
gleam, and never let that sword be sheathed till the 
last traitor foe is subdued, and the last slave is free! 

That night, after one of the most sanguinary battles 
of the war, the Union forces rested upon the field, from 
every point of which the enemy had been driven, scat- 
tered, and confused. It was truly a great victory, but, 
alas! at what a cost of precious hves! 



154 LIOIITS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 



Death of Colonel Coleman. 

Colonel Colcinaii was' wouudod in the arm anil side, 
tlic ball lodging against the spine. At first, neither 
he nor his attendants apprehended that his wounds 
were of a serious nature ; but, two hours after his re- 
moval from the front, his brave spirit passed away, 
lie was sensible till the last, and, although suftering 
aeutely, he uttered no complaint, llis death cast a 
gloom over the entire regiment, every man of whom 
had learned to respect him for his manly, open frank- 
ness, and for his well-known military skill and bravery. 
Had he lived, no doubt he would have risen to distinc- 
tion in the service of his country ; for, to natural 
talents of a high order, he added those derived from a 
West Point education. 

" lie sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle ; 
He ne'er shall awaken to gloi-y again." 

Peace be to his memory ! lie fills the honored 
gra,ve of a patriot soldier, and his noblest monument 
is the afiectionate remembrances of brave men. 



The Field after the Battle. 

There was something inexpressibly saddening in the 
appearance of the Antietam battlefield. This was es- 
pecially true of the right and center. On the right 
of the Sharpsburg road, where the gallant Hooker was 
engaged, the ctirnage was fearful, and the sight that 
met the eye everywhere was of the most ghastly and 
terrible character. Among solid shot — fragments of 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 155 

shell, broken caissons, splintered artillery wlieels, over- 
turned gun-carriages, empty ammunition-boxes, car- 
tridge-cases, and the mangled carcasses of artillery 
horses — lay hundreds upon hundreds of the wounded, 
the d}ing, and the dead. On the night after the 
battle, and during the succeeding day, twelve hun- 
dred wounded soldiers were brought to one barn and 
barn-yard. In another barn, not far from this, were 
six hundred, and in another, seven hundred. It is 
no exaggeration to say that, on that day of dreadful 
conflict, the dead lay in heaps, and the wounded in 
thousands. While the battle was raging most fierce- 
ly, the rebel artillery could be seen mowing down 
Hooker's veteran troops, leaving great gaps, which 
were instantly filled up, only to be opened again as 
the murderous shell or grape was hurled against 
them. And even on the various roads leading from 
the field, the sad tale of suffering and death was 
told; for the ambulances wore constantly engaged in 
carrying off" their loads of bleeding, dying men, whose 
life-blood was trickling down through the ambulance 
floors and mingling with the dust of the hoof-trodden 
field, or staining the hard granite bowlders and broken 
stones of the turnpike ! No one, with common feelings 
of humanity, could look upon such terrible scenes 
unmoved, nor forget that around each one of the 
thousands of killed and wounded clustered many 
warm aff'ections, and that there was no one on this 
bloody field so lonely, wretched, or forsaken as that for 
him throbbed no loving heart, and for him no tears 
would be shed. As I looked upon the hundreds on 
hundreds of killed and wounded, I thought of the 



156 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

distant homes of these men, and liow the sunh'^ht 
of hope and joy wouhl be quenched in grief, and 
liow mother and wife and sister woukl chisp their 
hands in speechless agony, and fathers -would bow 
their heads and weep, as only strong men weep, when 
the names of loved ones were announced as among 
the killed or wounded or missing. Not alone on 
the battlefield was there agony that day ! Ah ! no. 
There was untold agony in thousands of hearts, and 
deepest gloom in thousands of homes far from that 
field of blood. AVho could refrain from breathing a 
prayer that the Angel of the Covenant might visit 
every weeping household, and comfort every stricken 
heart ? and that soon, soon ! the olive-branch of 
peace might wave over our bleeding, distracted coun- 
try, truth and righteousness fiiourish in our midst, and 
the people, 

"Walking in the Hght of God, 
In holy beauty shine." 

A Glorious Victory — "What were the Results? 

" But, then, 't was a glorious victory ! " 
So said a certain moralist, when debating with him- 
self between the feelings of national pride and exulta- 
tion over a great victory and the instincts of humanit}', 
which revolt at the dreadful carnage of the battlefield. 
The Army of the Potomac achieved a glorious victory 
over the legions of traitors and defenders of human 
oppression during that memorable week in September, 
when, it might be said, in literal truth, that the very 
earth drank blood. The glowing accounts of the 



LTCHITS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 157 

valor and unflinching devotion of the patriot sohliers, 
which appeared in the papers and magazines, were, bj 
no means, exaggerated. Emotions of sadness, how- 
ever, were mingled with the transports of joy; for, 
"glorious" though the victory was, there were several 
tilings connected with it that subdued the otherwise 
joyful feelings. First of all, the victory was pur- 
chased at a fearful sacrifice of human life. When the 
last gun was fired, on the evening of that bloody day, 
there could not have been less than twenty-five or 
thirty thousand torn, bleeding men lying on that bat- 
tlefield ! General McClellan reported, officially, a loss 
of seventeen hundred and forty-two killed, and eight 
thousand and sixty-six wounded. The rcljcls acknowl- 
edged a loss of fourteen thousand killed and wounded. 
What a fearful record of suffering and death! 

Another thing that tended rather to depress than 
elevate the hearts of both officers and men, was the in- 
explicable conduct of military officials in holding back 
the victorious Union army, when it was known to 
every man, and published to the world, that the rebels 
were routed and demoralized. General McClellan tel- 
egraphed to the War Department to the effect that 
the Union troops had been everywhere victorious, and 
that the enemy, routed and demoralized, was retreat- 
ing in great confusion. To all of which it was added, 
that he — McClellan — would push forward vigorousl}^, 
and follow up his advantages. But, notwithstanding 
such official announcements of a complete victory, and 
the promise made to follow it up, the fruits of that 
victory were never reaped. It Avas the general ex- 
pectation that the array would have moved forward ou 



158 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AllMV LIFE. 

ThurstLiy moniiiiij; — next day. Thurs Jay passeil ; still 
no inovouioiit took place. Then there musl be an ad- 
vance on Friday morning — perhaps some grand stra- 
tegic combination was being perfected, and a movement 
•\Yould inevitably take place. Tht^re was a moral cer- 
tainty of that, of conrse. But Friday can\e, and no 
advance. Saturday also passed — and then intelligent 
men in the army, from corps commanders down, who 
saw and felt that then and there were both the time 
and place to strike one last tremendous blow on the 
routed, demoralized rebel army of the East — freely 
yet bitterly denounced the as yet unknown authors 
of that unnecessary delay. 

" There is something rotten in Denmark," was the 
significant remark made by some of the bravest and 
most accomplished officers in the Potomac army. 

"Why do we not move forward?" said I to a cer- 
tain stalV oilicer at corps head-quarters, on the after- 
noon of Saturday. 

"Move forward!" he exclaimed, bitterly. "Cow- 
ardice or treachery would, perhaps, be the answer. 
AVe have been asking that question for the last two 
days. Lee has been retreating since Thursday, and 
this is known, or ought to be, at head-quarters." 

This was a fact. Major Jackson, in conunand of 
the Eleventh, had made the rej)ort, through the proper 
channels, that his pickets reported the enemy crossing 
the river, evidently on the retreat. At the mess-tables 
of officers, and around the camp-fires, the question was 
repeated, time and again, "Why don't we move, and 
destroy the rebel army?" But day succeeded day, 
and week succeeded week, and still the army lay in- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 159 

active. What tlic design was in tlius holding in cliock 
as bravo an army as ever fouglit, and that, too, while 
there was an enthusiastic eagerness to follow up the 
advantages gained, and thus end the rebellion, is al- 
ready patent to all who have studied the political 
events of 1864. The Chicago Platform, with its sup- 
porters under it, and its candidate once on it, but now 
under it, too, throw considerable light on many things 
hitherto shrouded in mystery. Never, since the Pil- 
grim Fathers landed on Plymouth llock, has any one 
had such a clear, open, easy path to honor and useful- 
ness as General McClellan. Never has any one man 
had such influence and power as he. Petted, praised, 
courted — his very foibles were imitated, and he could 
hardly sneeze, certainly he could n't wash " his fevered 
brow at a roadside spring," to use the words of a corre- 
spondent — without its being duly reported all over the 
land. But he is politically as well as miHtarily dead — 
dead by his own acts. Traitor hands buried him, and 
over his grave they placed the wi-eck of his and their 
platfoi'm of principles — a platform so weighty with trea- 
son and oppression, that it will lie heavy on his grave 
till both he and it are forgotten in the lapse of years. 

Unnecessary Sufferings of tjie Wounded — In- 
efficiency Somewhere. 

Another thing that tended to modify exuberitnt 
emotions was the lack of prompt and efficient atten- 
tion to the wants of the wounded, thus greatly in- 
creasing their suffering. 

No army in the world has been so well cared for 



IGO LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

in every respect as the XJuion army. No nation lias 
ever so freely and bountifully supplied its defcnd(>r,s 
Avitli the necessaries and comforts of military life. No 
nation has done so much for its soldiers -when in 
health, or taken such tender care of them when sick 
or wounded. The Army of the Potomac, however, in 
18(»2, was not, in any respect — except its heroic 
bravery — what it is in 18G5. There was not a little 
of the elements of flippancy, arrogance, and official 
hauteur in the various departments of the army. 
The medical staff was by no means free from such 
unfavorable influences. Young, soulless, incompetent 
medical tyros had wormed themselves into the army, 
and thus occupied positions in which they might, with 
comparative impunity, play the petty tyrant, and, 
under the specioss plea of mihtary or medical rule, op- 
press those committed to their care. Not soon will 
some of those flippant gentry' be forgotten by the sol- 
diers who came in contact with them during the cam- 
paign of 18G2. Incompetent, careless, and haughty, 
they were more intent on showing off their brass but- 
tons and shoulder-straps, and maintaining professional 
dignity, than in attending to the wants of the suffer- 
ing soldier. There Avere then, as there are now, many 
true, noble, skillful men in the army, who toiled day 
and night for the benefit of the sick and wounded, 
and who, uniting a pure patriotism, profound medical 
skill, and a tender sympathy, labored industriously 
for the good of others, and thus made their presence, 
on field or in hospital, fall like sunbeams around the 
sad and suffering. But these could not do their own 
work and that of others also; there must, therefore, 



LiOHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 101 

be sorno avIio would be necessarily neglected and un- 
cared for. 

One or two incidents hy way of illustration. 

Captain Duncan and myself went to a large log 
house in search of some of the wounded of our regi- 
ment. We found it filled Avith the wounded of differ- 
ent regiments, hut principally of those belonging to 
the regular army. Quite a number were also in a 
barn adjoining. Two days had elapsed since the bat- 
tle, and yet their wounds had never been dressed, no 
surgeon had been to see them, and there was no one 
to give them a drink of cold water! I will never, to 
my dying day, forget the piteous words which one 
poor fellow spoke to us as we turned away : 

"Are you going away to leave us here?" said he, in 
tones that told of his anguish and hopelessness. " For 
God's sake, don't leave us here alone, to die like 
do^'s ! " 

o 

"No," I replied, "I will not leave you; but I have 
no bandages with me, nor any thing else to afford re- 
lief. I'll go and get assistance and supplies, and do 
what I can." 

I went to our brigade surgeon and reported the 
case, and asked for some bandages. Alas! all our 
hospital supplies Avere exhausted; our own surgeons 
had been working night and day; and what, therefore, 
could be done? Dr. Holmes looked distressed. 

"It's too bad — it's too bad! but what can I do?" 
sai<l he. "We are entirely out of bandages, and sup- 
plies in general, and it is the same in other divisions, 
for they have sent to me for supplies till I have none 
left. The surgeons of our own division are worked 
14 



162 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

down; but I'll see after those wounded; 111 report 
the c{ise, at least, to head-quo rtcrs." 

Not knowing any more necessary or important work 
to be done than to take care of the suffering, I started 
to Middletown immediately — nearly ten miles off — 
applied to the Snnitary Commission for supplies, and 
returned to the field Avith what my servant and self 
could carry on our horses. 

Next day, and in another part of the field, I found 
a dozen or more of our wounded in a barn, if pos- 
sible in a more hopeless and deplorable condition. 
Their wounds were in a horrible state. As I washed 
and dressed the worst of the cases, it required the 
calling forth of all my powers of endurance. The 
stench from the foul, festering wounds was sickening 
to a degree that is indescribable, and the whole scene 
was as disgusting to the beholder as it Avas terrible to 
the sufferer. I rushed out to breathe a purer at- 
mosphere, only to meet with festering limbs and black- 
ened corpses, from which emanated a deadly exhala- 
tion. 

To show that there was no lack on the part of the 
Government or of the Sanitary Commission in caring 
for the wounded, it may just be stated that on a box 
or bench were packages of farina, essence of beef, 
different kinds of cordials, crackers, etc., and yet 
those noble sufferers had had no breakfast, and it was 
now between two and three o'clock in the afternoon ! 
There was no nurse, no attendant, and it was a matter 
of doubt whether any thing was being prepared for 
them. This case was reported to the proper author- 
ities, and the barn was speedily inquired into, and it 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 163 

is said that language, more emphatic, perhaps, than 
polite, was used by the powers that be. 

In making these statements, I do not wish to be 
understood as making even a general complaint 
against our array surgeons as a Avhole. By no 
means. I think, from what I have seen, that these 
were exceptional cases. A very large majority of 
those surgeons with whom I was acquainted, and with 
some of whom I was in close and constant association, 
were men of principle, honor, and humanity. Nobly 
did they work to relieve the suffering soldiers, and I 
heartily make this record to their honor. 

It may be added, just here, that, on the battlefield 
of Antietam — as on all battlefields — there was much 
suffering and privation, aside from sickness and 
wounds, that was unavoidable. And it may also be 
added that every one who enters the army, intelli- 
gently and thoughtfully, makes calculations to meet 
with just such privations as are inseparable from mili- 
tary life, and he goes forth bravely to endure them, 
if needs be. But it must be conceded that at Antie- 
tam, through the blunders of some, the carelessness 
of others, and the incompetency of many who were 
invested with the sacred responsibility of seeing that 
our brave men were cared for when sick or wounded, 
the sufferings of our soldiers were greatly increased. 
The great want was a corps of strong, humane nurses 
for field and hospital — especially for the field — to 
attend to the wounded and dying. Another want was 
a greater number of skillful surgeons ; both of which 
necessities have been measurably removed. 



CHAPTER XI. 

A GLEiM OF SUNSHINE ON A DARK SCENE THE ELEVENTH HOlin — • 

THE LOVED ONE REME5I15EUEU IN DEATH. 

In one of the art galleries of Europe there is a 
most remarkable picture. It speaks less to the eye 
than to the heart. It seems to express much, but it 
sujraests more, and is one of those rare works of a 
refined and elevated genius that seldom dazzle the 
eye, but leave such impressions upon the heart as ren- 
der them ever after not so much tangible realities to 
be seen by the eye, as living ideas to be recognized 
by the mind. They are, so to speak, painted thoughts. 
They are abstract truths in outline — ideas on canvas. 

The picture referred to is nothing more than a 
landscape — earth and sky. The background is a 
dark, pine forest, with a dense undergrowth of briers 
and alders. In the foreground are moss-covered rocks, 
with here and there tufts of fern and wild flowers. In 
the center, and nearly hidden by the interlacings of 
the wild rose and common bramble, are two solitary 
graves, marked by broken, crumbling tombstones. 
The scenery all around is gloomy, weird, and wild. 
Dense, black clouds float in a dark and troubled sky, 
while away in the far distance the tall pines are seen 
bending before the gathering storm. But, out from 
(164) 



LiailTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 1G5 

a rifted storm-cloud there streams down one broad, 
bright beam of sunsliine, which, falling upon the lonely 
graves in the dark wildwood, lights them up with rays 
of glory. The dim outlines of a rainbow are seen fit- 
fully glimmering against the dark shadows beyond. 
The lesson of the picture is, that there is some sun- 
shine on the darkest pathway, and rays of glory on 
the most lonely graves. 

This picture was realized in the barn already spoken 
of, where Hooker's gallant corps fought so desperately 
on the right wing. As already stated, a number of 
wounded soldiers had been brought to the barn in 
question, and left there without having the attendance 
either of surgeon or nurse. Whether through gross 
neglect or necessity this occurred, it is not necessary 
to hazard any opinion. But there they were, a help- 
less, sad, suffering company of noble men. Being sup- 
plied with every thing necessary, I went to work to 
relieve them as much as possible; and if ever there 
are times in men's history when the reflexive influ- 
ence of making effort to help the needy is most salu- 
tary in all respects, then that effort was not in vain. 
One poor fellow, whose sufferings were very great, was 
the first wlio attracted my attention. As I washed off 
the clotted blood, and cleansed his wounds, and ar- 
ranged his lowly pallet so as to render him a little 
more comfortable, his eyes filled Avith tears, and, with 
thanks which were totally unmerited, he said it was 
the first thing that had been done for him since the 
surgeon of his own regiment had hastily dressed his 
wounds during the heat of battle, and that he had felt 
as if forsaken both by God and man. 



IGO LIGHTS AND SIIADO^VS 01' ARMY LIFE. 

" Thank you ! 0, thank you for this ! " he continued 
to say. '* I feel so much easier ah-eady." 

^Vheu I had finished, he asked me earnestly ^vhat I 
thought of his wounds, and whether they were danger- 
ous. When I told him he might possibly live a day 
or two, but that, humanly s])eaking, his recovery was 
impossible, he looked disappointed. From a few re- 
marks he made, I perceived that his thoughts were 
away far oft' to his New England home, and that he was 
yearning once more to see loved ones, and " that dear- 
est spot on earth — home, sweet home ! " Any one 
could see that a struggle was going on in that brave 
heart. The great spiritual victory was, at length, at- 
tained, and the language of resignation burst from his 
lips. I conversed with him on the fatherly character 
of God, and of His deep and abiding sympathy for 
man. I spoke of the ])eace which believers enjoy 
through faith in Christ Jesus, and encouraged him to 
place himself fully and freely in the hands of a gra- 
cious God. As I turned to leave him, he asked for a 
drink of water, and as I raised his head, and placed 
the cup to his pale lips, mortality ! 0, mortality ! re- 
vealed itself more painfully and sadly than I care to 
tell. Perhaps, as I write these lines, the redeemed 
spirit, freed from that torn and broken tabernacle, is 
drinking of the fountain of living water in the City of 
God, and the battlefield and the bloody barn floor 
have been exchanged for the everlasting rest and joy 
and glory of that heavenly home. 

"Will you please attend to me?" said a young 
man lying in another part of the barn, and Avho was, 
if possible, in a worse condition than the one previ- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 167 

ously mentioned. I spare my own feelings, and those 
of my reudoi'H, by refrainin;^ to give a rninute descrip- 
tion of the Had state in which I found this sunerin;; 
sohlier. Suffice to say, that lie was lying — ^just as lie 
had hastily been laid down — on a pile of wheat and 
straw. A piece of shell had torn a feai-ful gash in his 
side, and driven a part of his clothing into the wound, 
which, not being removed, occasioned him great pain. 
His blouse was hard and stiff with the dry, clotted 
blood, while his face was besmeared with dust and 
powder. Like the others around him, he had received 
no attention since being brought there, and had neither 
supper the night before, nor breakfast that day. And 
yet there was an air of peace and happiness around 
him, that measurably relieved the sad picture from its 
otherwise truly dark and hopeless appearance. By 
his side lay an open pocket Bible, which, to all ap- 
pearance, he had been recently reading. 

"Is this your Bible?" I asked, while removing the 
hardened bandages from his wounds. 

"Yes, it is my Bible," he replied. "I've managed 
to carry it with me ever since I left home." 

" Have you found its promises to be precious to 
you in this your time of suffering?" 

" 0, yes ! very precious — very comforting to me." 

" Have n't you been in great pain ? I would think 
you could n't read much Avhile here in this sad state." 

"The worst was at night," said he, "especially last 
night — it seemed so long and so dark; but I tried to 
think over all the comforting texts I had ever read, 
for I couldn't sleep. 0, it has been terrible here!" 

I spoke a few encouraging words to him, and re- 



1G8 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

pcated some of the Savior's own blessed promises, 
while bathing and bandaging the deep and, apparently, 
mortal wounds, and then passed to others needing at- 
tention. During that day, and for several days after- 
ward, fearful scenes of human sufi'ering — glorious 
scenes of heroic devotion — peaceful scenes of Chris- 
tian triumph, hope, and joy, were brought before me; 
but that one glorious picture — would that I could paint 
it! — of the young patriot soldier, wounded and dying, 
far from home, and suffering from hunger and thirst, 
turning his dim eye to the sacred page of the Divine 
Word — the gift of a pious mother — and drawing there- 
from consolation and hope — ! it was the most vivid 
and glorious of all ! and it will ever be to me as a 
sunn}^ memory of the battlefield. Think of it ! That 
poor, torn, dying soldier — no one to give him a drink 
of cold water in the hour of his deep distress, or wipe 
the dew-drops of agony from his dust-begrimed brow — 
no one to soothe his hard pillow, or speak a word of 
cheer to him in the lone midnight hour! — and yet, in 
his deepest anguish and loneliness, he turns to the 
Fonntain of Life, and drinks of the precious, priceless 
waters of salvation! And, through the long, weary 
night, surrounded with fellow-sufferers, in pain like 
himself, he whiles away the dark and weary hours in 
thinking over the precious jjromises of the loving 
Savior! And 0, what a testimony Avas this to tiie 
priceless value of God's Word! 0, it is not the dry, 
severe, didactic book that many suppose it to be; but 
it is a book full of warm, generous sympathies, and 
cheering promises, and is the unchanging friend of 
man in every condition of life ! It comes to us as the 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 169 

guide of our youth, our support and counselor amid 
the busy scenes and engrossing cares of inaturer 
years, and our comforter and most welcome compan- 
ion when, with wearied steps and dim eyes, we near 
that land " where tiie wicked cease from troubling, and 
the weary are at rest." And what a comfort, too, is 
Buch an incident to praying parents! 0, ye Chris- 
tian mothers, wiio have given your sons to the country, 
and sent them forth baptized with your tears and 
consecrated by your prayers, cease not your supplica- 
tions in their behalf, and part not with your hopes 
concerning them! The Angel of the Covenant will 
have them in his holy keeping; and, although your 
loving hands may not lave their burning brow, nor 
moisten their parched lips in the dark hour of their 
anguish, Jesus will give them to drink of that living 
water of which, if a man drink, he will never thirst. 
When they have fought their last battle, they may 
also sleep their last sleep, far from the other graves 
of your household, and you may not have the melan- 
choly satisfaction of visiting the spot where the be- 
loved dust reposes; but remember that the pure in 
heart will meet again, and the shining shores of the 
better land will reecho with the shouts of joy as re- 
deemed friends meet each other there. 

. A Few Minutes' Warning— Was it Heeded? 

While dressing the wounds of Captain Weller— a 
brave and efficient officer, mentioned in a previous 
chapter as being wounded at the stone bridge— an in- 
cident occurred, which, although by no means uncom- 
15 



170 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

mon, will help to give an idea of the circumstances in 
which a minister in the army has often to try and 
preach Christ. Two men staggered into the crowded 
house with a stretcher, on which was a wounded man. 
Laying him on the floor gently, and adjusting a hand- 
ful of straAV under his head, one of them turned to me, 
and asked if I would attend to his wounded comrade 
as quickly as possible. I immediately went to him, 
and found that a musket-ball had penetrated his stom- 
ach and bowels. Indeed, he was in a dying condition. 
lie told me that he had been lying two days and two 
nights in a cornfield before he Avas found; that he 
had suflFered greatly from hunger and thirst; that 
his wound did not pain him, and if it was dressed, 
and he had something to eat, he would be better. 
Taking his hand in mine, and speaking to him as 
soothingly as possible, I told him he was very near 
eternity, and that he had but a short time to prepare 
to meet his God. He would not believe it — insisted 
that he felt better, and Avas sure he would not die. I 
plead Avith him to think of his position as a dying 
man, and press upon his attention the solemnity of 
death and judgment. But it seems unavailing. In 
tAventy minutes he breathes his last ! As I look upon 
his lifeless body, I think of the long, lonely hours of 
suffering he has passed in the cornfield, and whether 
he tried to lift up his heart to God, and Avhether he 
had found pardon. And the ansAver is only a doubt. 
Ah ! hoAV many souls, unAvashed in the fountain of re- 
deeming mercy — unprepared to meet God — are being 
ushered into eternity! And I turn away with sad- 
dened feelinffs. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 171 



Going Home. 

In one of the temporary hospitals there Avas a 
wounded man, with whose last hours were connected 
many circumstances of a peculiarly interesting and 
pathetic character. My attention was first directed to 
him by one of the attendants, who informed me that 
he seemed to be dying. Approaching where he lay, I 
asked whether he wished any thing done for him. At 
first he could not answer me. It was evident he was 
near his last. The perspiration stood in large drops 
on his pale, massive forehead, his breathing was short 
and difficult, and his sufferings were very great. At 
last he was able to speak, although but in whispers, 
and at intervals. 

" Chaplain, I 'm in great pain — -0, I 'm in great 
pain!" 

" I see you are in great pain," I replied, " and wish 
it were in my power to help you. There is One, how- 
ever, who can always help in the hour of trouble, and 
who is ready now to help you. How do you feel? Do 
you think you will get well ? " 

"Yes, I think I will." 

"Would you be displeased if I should tell you that 
you can live but a short time?" 

"No," said he, "I would not; for if I die, I feel 
that I am ready. Jesus is my Savior. I would rather 
have been at home, however," he added; "for I want 
to see mother before I die." 

In further conversation with him, I learned that he 
had, while a youth, sought an interest in the Savior, 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 



172 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

that he was blessed with godly parents. Toward mid- 
night, his sufferings increased, and he sent for me, as 
he said, to speak to him again of Christ. 

"I want you," said he, "just to tell me of Jesus. 
I can't speak much — I'm so weak. I can hear — tell 
me, tell me of Jesus ! " 

In the midst of low meanings, and sharp, short 
screams, I bent over him, and repeated parts of the 
fourteenth chapter of John's Gospel, and the Twenty- 
third Psalm. Beside that lowly pallet, in the midst of 
suffering and death, the Lord was found to be "as a 
little sanctuary." The gloomy scene was irradiated 
with the sunlight of Christian hope and joy, and, for the 
time being, the horrid scenes of war and tumult were 
forgotten amid the peaceful triumphs of Christian faith. 
It was noticed that he had a hair bracelet on his left 
wrist, and that he was holding something in his hand, 
attached to which was a small cord, which passed around 
his neck. As he seemed to be anxious about this, 
whatever it might be, I asked him what it was. With 
great effort, he raised his hand to his face, and looked 
at something, with a long, yearning look ; it was a 
small gold locket. Closing it tightly in his hand, he 
whispered : 

" This bracelet is a lock of my lady-love's hair." 

"Would you want it and the locket taken off and 
sent home?" 

"No, I want to be buried with them." 

The last request he made was, "I wish you to see 
that this bracelet is not taken off my arm." 

I watched by him as he neared the shores of eter- 
nity, and it seemed as if his joys were momentarily 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 173 

increased. "I'm going home to heaven — yes, to 
heaven ! " were the last words I could hear distinctly. 
In a few minutes, he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus. 

0, blessed religion ! precious in youth and old age ; 
precious in health and in sickness ; precious amid the 
endearments of "home, sweet home," and precious 
when neither wife nor mother is near to assist or com- 
fort the lone sufferer ! Precious in the " house of the 
Lord," among "brethren dearly beloved and longed 
for," and precious on the battlefield, amid bloodshed 
and death ! 0, Savior ! bless the reader of this, who- 
ever he may be, and grant that he may enjoy thy 
blessed presence here, and enter into thy glory here- 
after. 



CHAPTER XII. 

DIVINE BEKVICE3 ON THE FIELD WHAT DOES RELIGION DO FOR THE 

SOLDIER IN BATTLE ? 

Where shall we Worship? 

" Our fathers ■worshiped in this mountain, and ye 
say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to 
■worship," ■were the ■words which the woman of Samaria 
addressed to the blessed Savior, as, wearied with his 
journey northward to Galilee, he sat resting at the 
well of Jacob. Defective religion has always more to 
do with the outward form than the inner feeling, and 
the place and surroundings of religious service are 
more anxiously attended to than the worship itself. 
Such was the case with the Samaritan woman. Per- 
ceiving, from the Stranger's heart-searching questions, 
that he was a divine teacher, she was more anxious to 
be assured that Mount Gerizim was as good a place as 
Mount Zion in which to worship God, than to have her 
own heart searched, or her sins reproved by Divine 
Truth. Genuine religion is more intent on having the 
heart right, than in having the body in any prescribed 
devotional position. And it can find an altar or a tem- 
ple in every valley and on every hill-side. " The hour 
Cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall wor- 
(174) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 175 

sliip the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father 
seeketh such to worship him." 

Such was the answer which Christ gave to the woman 
of Samaria; and it not only sets forth the spirit and 
object of Divine worship, but it also teaches the truly 
spiritual and simple character of our holy religion. 
No magnificent cathedral, with groined arches and 
stained windows, is necessary to constitute a place of 
■worship ; neither are sacerdotal vestments and floating 
incense and responsive choirs indispensable aids or 
accompaniments to the sublimely simple and spiritual 
services which the infinite Father requires of his 
children. Jacob found a Bethel, the house of God, in 
the lonely wilderness, as he journeyed toward Padan 
Aram, and he found it again as he wrestled all night 
with the Angel of the Covenant at the fords of Jabbok. 
Elijah, the heroic reformer of Israel in troublous 
times, found a house of prayer on the top of Carmel, 
and a peculiarly glorious sanctuary on the wild and 
rocky sides of Iloreb, Avhile "the still small voice" 
soothed his chafed and wearied spirit, and revived his 
failin"; courage. And on the Christian Sabbath, in 
later times, " that disciple whom Jesus loved " wor- 
shiped with angels and the spirits of just men made 
perfect, even though banished from "brethren dearly 
beloved and longed for;" and, while the waves of old 
ocean were dashing around his rocky prison, he was 
permitted to look down the long vista of futurity and 
see the consummation of all things. Paul and Silas 
had a more glorious meeting in the dark Ephesian 
dungeon, than was ever held amid the gaudy tinsel ry 
and pretentious devotions of the grandest cathedral 



176 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

ever built ; and in tlie gloomy days of persecution, 
many of those who 

" Lived unknown 
'Till persecution dragged them into fame, 
And chased them up to Heaven — " 

found a sanctuary in many a lonely glen and gloomy 
cave, while their hearts were filled with rejoicing and 
praise because of the presence of the Lord. 

And so has it been in the army. The question has 
been oftentimes, not Where shall we worship, but When 
shall we worship ? It is one great blessing connected 
with our army, that, during the war, Avherever there has 
been a genuine desire to engage in religious services, 
the opportunity to do so has usually been afforded; 
and not only so, but services in camp are often of a 
peculiarly impressive and interesting character — not 
only from the fact that they are associated with many 
things of an exciting and novel nature, but, divested 
of all stiff, starched formality, they are frequently 
seasons of spontaneous outbursts of genuine religious 
emotions. The Sabbath after the battle of Antietam 
was a day of rest for both the body and the soul. The 
circumstances in which the army had been placed dur- 
ing the past Aveek, as well as the events which had 
transpired, were all conducive to make this day sacred 
and impressive. The troops had been in several heavy 
skirmishes, and in at least two, if not three, pitched 
battles during the previous week or ten days. Many a 
soldier had been called to his final account during that 
time, and very hard must that heart have been that felt 
no emotion of gratitude for deliverance in the hour of 
peril. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 177 

Early in the day, Colonel Andrews, of the Thirty- 
sixth Ohio, came to the camp of the Eleventh, and 
suggested that the two regiments unite in religious 
services, seeing there was but one chaplain in the en- 
tire brigade. His proposition was gladly accepted, so 
that the two regiments, and, indeed, portions of the 
whole brigade, united in the sacred services. The 
"Church-call" was made at ten o'clock, repeated 
again in fifteen minutes, and we met on the two slopes 
overlooking a small ravine close by the Antietam 
Creek. But four daj^s ago the fierce storm of battle 
had raged furiously on this very portion of the field, 
and death and destruction had held high carnival here ; 
"but now the song of praise was heard instead of the 
rush and roar of battle, and a Sabbath's calm and 
peace followed the fierce tempest of war. And, judg- 
ing from the interest manifested, and the order and 
decorum everyAvhere visible, the services were appre- 
ciated by all. Indeed, throughout the entire camp the 
quietude and good order were very marked. It might 
be added here, that, while encamped on the Antietam, 
and latterly on the Potomac, there seemed to be a very 
general rehgious interest in the army. On every Sab- 
bath, and two or three times during the week, there 
were rehgious services held in the Kanawha division, 
and the attendance at every meeting was quite large. 

The Philosophy of Calmness in the Hour of 
Battle. 

One evening, shortly after the Antietam battle, a 
little informal meeting was held in the chaplain's tent, 



178 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AKMY LIFE. 

"when the question of calmness and presence of mind 
during battle was incidentally introduced. Nearly all 
present made reference to their expei-iences during the 
battles of the previous week. One spoke as follows : 
"Immediately before going into action, I felt excited 
and fearful. I could not get away to any secret place 
to pray or meditate, but, as I stood in ranks, I lifted 
up my heart in prayer to God, and it seemed as if I 
never enjoyed such a clear and refi'eshbig sense of my 
Savior's presence. I committed my all to him, and 
asked- that, whether I lived or died, I might be his 
true follower. I felt to consecrate myself again to his 
service, and, in so doing, I felt an indescribable peace 
and satisfaction fill my heart. During the few min- 
utes thus engaged," he continued, "I enjoyed more 
happiness, and a clearer conviction of my acceptance 
with God, than I ever did before. My fear and trem- 
bling disappeared, and I felt calm throughout the entire 
day." 

It might just be added here, that this Christian 
brother was not only calm and peaceful, but was truly 
brave in the hour of peril. At one time, when there 
was not a commissioned officer to take command of 
the company, and that, too, at a time Avhen the battle 
was hottest and the carnage most fearful, he took com- 
mand of his comrades, rallied them for another charge, 
and led tliem onward, till relieved by a superior officer. 

It is said — with how much truth there is not the 
means of knowing — that, during the Crimean war, 
strong suggestions, amounting almost to positive or- 
ders, were made by general officers in the English 
army, that the chaplains, Avhen conducting religious 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 179 

services, should, as much as possible, refrain from in- 
troducing the subject of Death, as such a subject 
might have the tendency to induce a fearful, despond- 
ent, and even cowardly spirit ! Blind leaders ! Their 
suggestions were as irreligious as they were unphilo- 
sophical. No man can be as brave without the con- 
sciousness of God's favor as he would be with it. Who 
can afford to be so brave as he who hath placed his all 
in the hands of God, and feels prepared either to live 
or die? He who has made his peace with God can 
afford to dare and do noble deeds of heroism, for "he 
endures as seeing Him who is invisible." iVnd the 
bravest unconverted man that ever lived could have 
been braver still if he had possessed the blessed con- 
sciousness that, "whether he lived or died, he was the 
Lord's." Nothing strengthens a man in the hour of 
deadly peril, and nerves both heart and hand, like a 
firm faith in God. In every walk of life is this true. 
The wife and mother, in the privacy of the domestic 
circle, engaged in her holy ministry of love, is all the 
more happy in her own soul, and all the more success- 
fid in her blessed work, if she have the consciousness > 
of the favor and presence of her God, The man of 
business, who, necessarily, has to come in contact with 
the sharp angles and the unpleasant phases of human 
nature, can have a clearer intellect and a strono-er 
heart, if he has consecrated himself and his business 
to the glory of God. The general who commands the 
armies of a nation, and the private in the ranks, can 
be all the braver in the hour of peril if they have ex- 
perienced the love of God shed abroad in their hearts 
by the Holy Ghost. The most cowardly man I ever 



180 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

saw, while connected with the army, was a great, ro- 
bust, two-fisted fellow, who, from his physical propor- 
tions, ought to have been a Hercules for strength and 
a Hannibal for bravery. On a certain battlefield, 
where his pluck was tested, I had serious doubts 
whether he had nerve enough to pull trigger even 
once. He certainly had not enough life left in his 
one hundred and eighty pounds of physical substance 
to gasp out an incoherent assertion that he was too 
sick to stop and help me lift a comrade whose leg had 
been shattered by a cannon-ball ! If he did n't go at 
a two-forty pace to the rear, it was n't because he 
did n't try ! He neither feared God nor regarded 
man — except just at that time, perhaps ! 



CHAPTER XIII. 

MOVING WEST — A TERRIBLE MARCH — SUFFERING OF THE TROOPS 

USE OF ARDENT SPIRITS IN THE ARMY. 

After the withdrawal of the larger portion of the 
troops from the Kanawha Valley to reinforce McClel- 
lan's army, the rebels sent large forces into the valley, 
which drove the small body of Union troops there to 
near the Ohio River, and destroyed large quantities 
of Government property at Gauley Bridge. They had, 
also, been running the salt-works, near Charleston, for 
some time, and otherwise securing needed supplies for 
their larger armies, which they transported by way of 
Fayetteville to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. 
General Cox had been ordered back to the Kanawha, 
or rather to the Ohio, to take command of a new de- 
partment, which embraced Western Virginia. At his 
own urgent request, he was to have his old and Avell- 
tried Ohio veterans with him. 

The division under command of General Crook 
broke camp, on the Potomac, near Sharpsburg, about 
nine o'clock, and, passing through Sharpsburg, took up 
the line of march toward Hagcrstown. The day was 
excessively hot — unusually so, considering the lateness 
of the season. The little air that stirred seemed to 

(181) 



182 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

come from the mouth of a furnace, while the hard 
Hmestonc turnpike Avas covered with hot dust, whicli, 
being kept in constant motion by thousands of feet, 
and by the artillery and wagon-trains, induced a burn- 
ing thirst, which water, seemingly, could not quench. 
There had been considerable sickness in the army 
while camped on the Antietam and Potomac, conse- 
quently the men were not in the best condition for a 
fatiguing march. They were all suffering, more or 
less, from the noxious exhalations of the contiguous 
battlefield, not to speak of scarcely less deleterious 
agencies caused by insufficiently policed camps. Tak- 
ing the whole circumstances into consideration, it was 
the most fearful march that any of the regiments com- 
posing the division ever made — and they all knew, 
from experience, what forced marches were. The 
burning sun, the hot, stifling dust, the scarcity of 
water, the defective arrangements for the relief of the 
sick, the wretched order of march for the ambulances, 
the debilitated condition of many of the men, to all of 
which was added an unnecessarily rapid rate of march, 
with only brief halts, and those at long intervals, 
made this march from the mouth of the Antietam to 
Hagerstown one of intense suffering. 

If it had been the design to save Hagerstown 
from imminent peril at the hands of rebels, it would 
have been scarcely possible to have made much more 
of a forced march. By noon, there were hundreds 
out of ranks. In fence-corners, under trees, on logs 
or stones, all along the roadside, soldiers were lying 
utterly exhausted, and so completely broken down that 
many of them seemed careless either about life or 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 183 

death ! And these were no stragglers or shirks — as 
almost every regiment has, more or less — but they 
Avere men who would scorn to fall out of ranks — men 
who never before sank down on the march, and never 
asked to be excused from duty or to be assisted in 
any way. Company officers, who had neither gun, 
cartridge-box, nor knapsack to carry, only as they- 
might manfully help some exhausted private, even 
they, many of them, had to succumb to the terrible 
ordeal, and sink down, weak and fainting, by the way- 
side. Scarcely one-half of the distance had been trav- 
ersed, when two men fell down, never to rise again. 
One died instantly ; the other in a few hours. Yet, 
on and on pressed the dispirited, exhausted column, 
through the blinding, stifling dust, that burned and 
blistered the feet and filled the eyes and throat, pro- 
ducing a painful, burning thirst. 

It has been said that, on entering the army, chap- 
lains have generally lost what little religion they ever 
had. The author frankly acknowledges that if all 
anger is sin, then he sinned woefully that day, for ho 
was both sorrowful and angry — yes, may as well con- 
fess it — right down angry ! Good, efficient, energetic 
Dr. Gabriel had gone home, on account of his own 
failing health. Dr. Gill — a soldier, every inch of him, 
and good as he was brave — had been transferred to an- 
other regiment, and their places had been supplied 
with — with — the boys said, "Checking Powders" — 
which means, being interpreted, inefficiency and heart- 
less indifference ! Noble men, who, in all that per- 
tains to true manhood, as well as in talents and ac- 
complishments, were infinitely superior to some of 



184 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

those who were paid to care for them, were rudely 
and shamelessly insulted and neglected on that terri- 
ble day, because they sank down utterly exhausted. 
They asked for help, and received, instead, a bitter 
taunt, that burned into their very soul. There are 
times when a man may have patience under wrong 
and insult; but, assuredly, it is not always when his 
back is to the wall, and when his very helplessness 
should secure to him better treatment at the hands of 
his fellows. It is not, therefore, a very marked indica- 
tion of exalted piety to stand quietly by and see the 
good and brave Avronged because they are incapable 
of helping themselves. The man Avould not only be 
less a man, but less a Christian, could he have seen 
some of the scenes of that march, and had no throb- 
bing heart and no flashing eye. 

There was one genuine outburst of good, healthy 
indignation. With the exception of some decidedly 
bad grammar, it Avas both refreshing and edifying. A 
soldier was lying in a fence-corner exhausted — thought 
to be dying. 

"Shorty"— beg pardon, Mr. Shaw— " Shorty," a 
bristling, bustling, humane-hearted but rough old sea- 
dog, was there, too, blazing with wrath, and he was 
putting in all the exclamation points and all the 
three-cornered adjectives he could think of, in spite 
of staff-buttons and shoulder-straps, that speedily 
knocked an M. D. beside him into a cocked hat! 

But, finally, that march came to an end. About 
five o'clock in the afternoon the column filed off* to 
the right into some gently-sloping fields, near Ilagers- 
town, where arms were stacked and camp-fires were 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 185 

soon blazing. It is said — ■whether as a veritable fact, 
or as a bit of biting sarcasm, can not now be decided — 
that, on reaching camp. General Scammon, who had 
been in the advance, inquired of the cavalry, with 
evident solicitude, liow their horses had stood the 
7narch ! 

The General had better make special arrangements, 
in his last Avill and testament, for masses to be said 
for his soul perpetually, for assuredly he will never 
get out of purgatory, if soldiers' prayers , avail any 
thing. 

Next morning reveille beat at an early hour, and, 
shortly after dawn, the column was again on the march. 
Lessons had been gained by the experience of the 
previous day. General Crook was in the advance, 
and the march was conducted with great care and 
regularity. Early in the evening, the division en- 
camped in or near a strip of woods on the National 
Koad, and about three miles west of Clear Springs. 
The sick — and there were many of them — were well 
cared for by the loyal citizens of that town and vicin- 
ity, a number of whom came to where the ambulances 
with the sick were parked, bringing with them many 
comforts and delicacies. 

Next morning, the 10th of October, the column was 
in motion by three o'clock. At about half-past ten, 
shortly after passing the picket-post of a Pennsyl- 
vania regiment guarding one of the fords of the 
Potomac, the column was suddenly halted, and word 
passed from one to another that the rebels Avere in 
our rear, had cut our wagon-train in two, capturing 
the greater part of it, and wxre working mischief 
IG 



186 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

generally. The cavalry ■went tliundcring back, fol- 
lowed by one or two pieces of artillery. The 
Twenty-eighth followed on the double-quick. Half 
an hour had scarcely elapsed till the entire supply- 
train was safely within reach, and sent to the front, 
instead of being kept in the rear. The rebels had no 
intention of making any special demonstration just 
then or there, designing to go further, and meet with 
as little resistance as possible. The rebel column was 
commanded by Stuart, who made his somcAvhat noted 
raid clear round the Army of the Potomac. The 
division encamped that night on the south side of the 
Potomac River, opposite Hancock, the intention being 
to transport the troops from that point to Clarksburg 
by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Here the troops 
remained until the evening of Monday, the 13th, when 
the entire division left for Clarksburg, which point was 
reached on the morning of the 16th. 

The destination of part of the division was the 
Kanawha Valley, the design being to strike a point at 
or near Gauley Bridge, so as to cooperate with another 
force moving up from the Ohio, and intercept the 
rebels in their retreat cither up the Gauley toward 
Greenbrier, or by New River toward Raleigh and 
Princeton. Whether some grand strategic combi- 
nation Avas going on elsewhere, or whether the mili- 
tary authorities, McClellan to-Avit, thought the rebel 
force in the KanaAvha too insignificant for any special 
effort to be made for its capture or destruction, it 
would not be easy to say. One thing, hoAvever, is cer- 
tain, that the intercepting column Avas detained so long 
at Hancock and elscAvhere, that the rebels were duly 



LIGtiTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 187 

notified of the trap laid, and, of course, leisurely with- 
drew from the valley, taking- their plunder with them. 
While lying at Clarksburg, two new companies — 
E and I — arrived, under the command of Captains 
Brown and Staley, respectively. It was at this point, 
also, that Colonel P. P. Lane, promoted from Captain 
of Company K, assumed command of the regiment, 
■which, since the death of the lamented Coleman, had 
been under the command of Major Jackson. At this 
time, also, Major Jackson resigned, and bade farewell 
to the regiment and to the army. By a kindly dis- 
position and gentlemanly deportment, as well as his 
tried bravery, he had gained for himself very general 
respect and good-will. 

Want of Supplies — Blame Somewhere. 

It is by no means traveling out of the way, nor is it 
with the design of finding fault with any one in par- 
ticular, when reference is made, just at this point, to 
the condition of the troops sent back into Western 
Virginia, and, indeed, in the Eastern army generally, 
after the campaign on the Potomac in the summer 
and autumn of 1862. Who was to blame it would be 
assuming too much to say. That some one was at 
fault somewhere could hardly be denied. Never since 
that time has there been such wretched management in 
the Commissary and Quarter-master's departments as 
then existed. Had there been a well-planned and 
settled purpose on the part of some high military of- 
ficials to produce discontent and discouragement in 
the army, and cause revulsion of feeling toward the 



188 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LlFE. 

Government, scarcely more could have been done to 
accomplish such results. As if purely intentional — • 
for it was not necessary in any sense — the troops had 
not been supplied with clothing. Many of the men were 
without blouses; large numbers without shoes, socks, 
or caps, while shirts and drawers were almost an ex- 
ception. This lack of clothing was rendered all the 
more disheartening and exasperating from the want of 
woolen and rubber blankets, and the entire absence of 
tents, save those which individual ingenuity or good 
fortune supplied. To all of this, it may be added that 
we were now amid the bleak, dreary mountains of 
Western Virginia^ with the cold winds and rains of 
November beating upon us. Efforts were made to 
attach blame upon officials at Washington, while some 
army correspondents, seizing the clue given by others, 
Avrote flaming philippics against the Government. For, 
neglecting to care for the heroes of the nation, to de- 
fend himself from the severe criticisms of every loyal 
journal in the land, General McClellan had officially 
to complain of the want of supplies. But General 
Meigs set this at rest when he telegraphed to Mc- 
Clellan, "The railroads are now embarrassed to sup- 
ply you, and supplies here wait for the return of 
cars detained while loaded near your position." 

Post quarter-masters, who had under their control 
immense quantities of supplies, could not issue to 
brigade or regimental quarter-masters, because they 
had no orders so to do. And thus, while stacks of 
clothing and thousands of tents were within easy reach, 
the men, who had endured the perils and privations of a 
heavy campaign, were shivering around the camp-fires 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE, 189 

by night, and during the day felt that their manhood 
was insulted and humiliated by insufficient clothing. 
If curses were not loud, they were deep enough and 
bitter enough, truly. 

It was under such circumstances that, in November, 
the Kanawha division took up its line of march for 
points on the Gauley and Kanawha Rivers, in West- 
ern Virginia. Already the bleak hills of that wild 
country were swept by the cold autumn winds and 
rains. The various regiments had traversed but half 
the distance, when a fierce storm of sleet swept down 
upon them, already wet and shivering with the cold 
rains that had prevailed for several days. One night, 
while the sleet and rain was drivinfj in fitful crusts, the 
men shivering in the cold, the wood too wet to make 
warm camp-fires, no shelter to be found but under 
trees, and scarcely any prospect for getting hot cofi'ee, 
as the fires would not burn, fears were entertained 
that some of the men would perish. Orders were ac- 
cordingly issued, at the instance of the medical di- 
rector, for a small quantity of whisky to be given to 
each man. 

I make this statement here and now, because friends 
at home have frequently asked whether ardent spirits 
were not issued to the troops, especially when going 
into battle — a thing I never kneiv or heard of being 
done. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

EXPEDITIOX TO COLD KNOB — REBELS CAUGHT NAPPING — HEROIC EN- 
DURANCE OF THE UNION SOLDIERS. 

Simply as a record of heroic endurance and bravery, 
as well as to show what sacrifices the soldier makes for 
his country, the following narrative is here given. 

Scarcely had the Kanawha troops been stationed at 
the various points thought necessary, when orders 
came to the Eleventh, at Summerville, for an expedi- 
tion into Greenbrier County. 

A rebel cavalry force Avas reported as stationed 
near Cold Knob, on the turnpike north of Lewisburg, 
and the design of the expedition was to capture or 
break up that force. The Eleventh was to support 
the Second Virginia Cavalry, which was to move from 
Camp Piatt by a different road — a junction of the 
forces being to take place at a designated point. The 
cavalry force was five hundred strong, and under the 
command of Colonel Paxton. 

The Eleventh left Summerville on the 24th of No- 
vember, moving south toward Lewisburg. On reach- 
ing the Gauley River, it seemed as if an effectual bar- 
rier was placed right in the teeth of the expedition; 
for the clear, cold waters of that mountain-fed river 
were dashing over their rocky channel, swollen by 
(190) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 191 

the late rains. Colonel Lane asked no man to do "wliat 
he thought dangerous to attempt himself, and he Avas 
the first to test both the depth of the river and the 
strength of the current, and find tlie safest fording 
place. In thus plunging into the cold, swollen stream, 
however, in his effort to secure, by his own personal 
examination, the best and safest crossing place, ho 
came very near losing his life. The incident was sig- 
nificant, and had a good effect upon all ; for it exem- 
plified, by an apparently trifling circumstance, the in- 
terest taken in their Avelfare by their lately-appointed 
commander. After some little delay, the regiment 
crossed the river safely, and, leaving the road to the 
right, took a mountain path known only to the hunters 
of that wild and desolate region. Captain llamsey, 
an old hunter, and familiar with every road and path, 
acted as guide. 

Before noon, a cold rain began to fsill, which, toward 
evening, turned into a driving storm of sleet and snow, 
which continued, without cessation, for thirty-six hours. 
The regiment marched seventeen miles the first day, 
notwithstanding the rough, hilly, broken paths and the 
inclement weather. The men were in light marching 
order — very few were supplied with overcoats, each 
man had but one blanket, and there were no tents. It 
was under such circumstances tliat, after a toilsome 
march, the men, wet and shivering with cold, prepared 
to bivouac on the mountains. The second day's march 
was through snow from six to twxdve inches deep; 
and the snow still continuing to fall and partially molt, 
rendered the mountain path — at the best, rough and 
rugged — one of the worst imaginable. At times over 



102 LTOIITS AND't^IlADOWS OF ARMY LTFR. 

rough binvliltM'S, lliou i>luni;ini^ t1ii-(>ui!;li slush, nnon 
uiuiliui;- round lalltMi limber aiul through brush, witll 
the blinding snow-storui boating in their i'aoos, ou- 
uard {\\v eohnun prosscMl. Several niih'S had to bo 
traversed in this manner after tlarkness had set in. It 
■\vas also necessary to mareh in single lile, and Avhat 
willi tlu> d(M>se i'orcvst aiul the blinding, driving snow, it 
■\vas so dark that it was inipossible to see further tiiaii 
a few feet. Ihuler these eireumstanees, orders wero 
given for eai'h man to place his hand on his tile- 
leader, so as to keep the column from being broken. 
Thus, in pitchy darkness, through a dense fi>rest on 
a wild mountain ])ass, and the sleet and snow driving 
and eddying above and art)und them, the men wearily, 
but nneomplainingly, pressed forward. AVith all the 
cari> and pi-ecaution nsi'd to keep the lile iV(un being 
brokiMi, and to previMit accidiMits during the pitchy 
darkn(>ss tliat sctth>d down, an accident di<l (hh'ui-. 
One of the men happened to make a. misstei>, and fell 
over a ])recipice. His comrades stopped to assist him 
out of his j)erilous position. This being unknown at 
the head of the column, the chain — so to speak — was 
broken, the reginuMit. cut in two, and the rear left 
Avithout a guide. Colonel liane, who was at the head 
of the cohunn, knew nothing of Avluit had occurred 
nntil his attention was arrested by a loud halloo from 
tlu> vc-A\\ repealed at short intervals, indii-ating some 
one in distress, lie immediately halted the colnnni, 
sent the guide to the rear to h>arn tlu' dilliculty, as he 
■was the only one who could lind the way back, llo 
found the lost party, nuidc the connection of the lino 
again, and the column moved forward. The regiment 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 193 

Avas ordered to make a certain point l^y tlio second 
day, 80 as to connect AvilJi tlie cavalry force, wliicli 
was moving by another and more circuitous route — 
tlic line pursued by tlie infantry not being practicable 
for cavah-y. 'J'he point indicated was reached at 
about nine o'cbjck on the evening of the second (biy. 
J>y this time tfie cold had increased greatly, and the 
driving sleet and snow had given place to a severe 
frost. The men were wet to the skin, and, weary 
with the day's fatiguing march, they stood shivering 
in the piercing blast that swept down the mountain 
gorges. It was desirable to keep the movements con- 
cealed from the enemy; hence large fires must bo 
avoided, as they would necessarily attract the notice 
of pickets, and, no doubt, reveal the whole plan. 
And, even had it been desirable to make fires, thero 
was nothing to be had but green wood, and there were 
no axes, even, to cut with, except the hatchets which 
the men carried in their belts. It was so dark, also, 
that the men had to go by the sense of feeling rather 
than by sight. Small fires were finally kindled, how- 
ever, and the men, scooping away the snow, wrapped 
their blankets arouml them — wet as tliey were — and 
laid down to sleep. Not all! Ah, no! All can not 
sleep. The guards — those never-failing attendnnts 
of an army — must be posted, whatever may be the 
circumstances, and faithful watch be kept while com- 
rades are sunk in repose. No matter how long and 
weary the march may have been, nor how keenly the 
Blect-laden blast may have driven into his face, nor 
how cold and hungry he may be, the sentinel must 
remain at his post, and peer watchfully and anxiously 
17 



194 LIGHTS ANr> shadows of army life. 

into the dim ami dark distance, ■\vliile ■\vitli a firm 
grasp ot his musket, k>aded and capped, he faithfully 
keeps -watch Avhilc his wearied comrades are sleeping. 

That was a long, cold, dreary night; but morning 
came at last. Shaking off the snow, as they arose 
from their Arctic-like beds, the men came forth like 
half-buried ghosts. A cup of ct)nee, and some of the 
inevitable hard-tack and pork, got up without loss of 
time and with precious little cereuumy, had an enliv- 
ening and cheering effect, and neither few nor point- 
less were the waggish remarks bandied about, relative 
to sleeping comfortably — whether the sheets were 
clean, and whether thorough ventilation was not very 
necessary to health — and Avhether any one did n't want 
to be helped to a slice of turkey, or to a dish of de- 
licious ice-cream. The larger majority, however, could 
not see where either the joke or the laugh came in. 
Like the minister who, on being told by one of his 
deacons that he ought to live more on faith, and not 
be so anxious about his salary, replied that ho did live 
on faith, but that he wanted it pretty well mixed with 
beef and bread — so these men, shivering in the cold 
while nninching their hard-tack and salt pork, felt that 
it was all very well, perhaps, to those who had a relish 
for such a primitive, romantic style of living, but, as 
for them — well, the}'^ "couldn't see it!'' 

As early as possible, the line was advanced a short 
distance nearer the road on which the cavalry were to 
come; but hour after hour wore away, and still they 
came not. So intensely cold had it become, that the 
men's clothing was freezing on them, and their inac- 
tivity, under such circumstances, was having the usual 



LIGHTS AND BJIADOWS OF AKMY LH'j;. 105 

cfTect. Many of them were rapidly falling into u dozy, 
Btupcfied Btate. In fact, they were freezing. Colonel 
Lane gave orders for thcra to be formed into squads, 
and marched round a circle on the double-quick. So 
benumbed and stupefied were some of them with cohl, 
that it required force to get them into motion; and 
two or three had so far yielded to the drowsiness 
and indifference — the sure precursors of freezing to 
deatli — that their comrades had to lay hold on them, 
and shake and drag and dance them round and round. 
Had such a plan not been adopted and rigidly en- 
forced by all the officers, some would, doubtless, have 
frozen to death. As it was, several were severely 
frost-bitten, and sufTcred for some months in conse- 
quence. Colonel Lane personally examined tlic arms, 
to see what condition ihcy were in, and found ncuily 
all of them more or less unserviceable. The rifle- 
barrels were found full of ice and snow — the rammers 
frozen tight in their sockets, and the ammunition 
nearly all damp. This was rather a critical condition 
to be in. Orders were instantly given for all who 
could draw their loads to do so, and every prepara- 
tion was made, which experience and the exigency of 
the circumstances could suggest, to meet the enemy, 
should they appear. 

About noon the cavalry arrived; but nearly one- 
third of their horses had given out, and the remainder 
were nearly useless for any very active, dashing 
service. Colonel Paxton, in command of the cavalry, 
declared that the expedition, as such, was a f^iilure, 
and that he would withdraw his command from that 
point, as it was useless to go further with his horses 



190 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AllMY LIFE. 

in their present In'oken-dovi'n condition, ITc, l)eing 
tlie ranking olVicer, ordered Colonel Lane to return 
Avith his command to Summerville, stating, at tho 
same time, that he -wouhl return by the same road ho 
came. Thus, after all the toil, exposure, and priva- 
tions endured, the expedition was about to be aban- 
doned when within a lew miles of where the enemy's 
camp was supposed to be, and even before iinding out 
whether the enemy were there or not. But for 
Colonel Lane and Major Powell — now a brigadier- 
general in Sheridan's army — the expedition would 
thus have been given up. These officers urged that 
a reconnoissance at least be made, if nothing more. 
Major Powell asked permission to take the cavalry to 
tho enemy's camp, some live miles distant, to see 
whether the enemy were tlierc, and in Avhat force. 
Leave was granted, and preparations were made 
accordingly. Major Powell asked the coJipcration of 
Colonel Lane, with his infantry force, which was gladly 
acceded to. The plan adopted was for the infantry 
to precede the cavalry and tb-ivc in the enemy's pick- 
ets, and then, opening right and left, the cavalry were 
to dash in and take the camp by surprise. This plan 
was put into operation, and worked to a charm. The 
infantry had proceeded about three miles, when a 
party of rebel cavalry was met coming up tlie mount- 
ain road to go on picket. The storm had been so 
severe for several days, that they had concluded the 
Yankees, instead of causing any troul)le, would very 
gladly stay at home. Consequently they had allowed 
their outer pickets on the mountain to be withdrawn, 
and the movements of the Union troops were scarcely 



LiailTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 197 

known till they were thundering and chittering right 
among them. The infantry advance-guard had a bri.sk 
skirmish with the inner line of pickets, but the latter, 
getting sight of the head of the advancing column of 
infantry, and, concluding there was too much for 
tliem, retreated slowly, and rode back toward their 
camp. As soon as the firing had commenced, the 
cavalry, with Major Powell at their head, advanceil to 
the front, overtook the retreating pickets, who scat- 
tered into the brush, and, without opposition, dashed 
into the rebel camp, and captured two hundred pris- 
oners, with their horses and equipments, and about 
five hundred stand of small arms. They also burned 
their camp, with a large quantity of supplies. 

The plan of attack was as novel as it was success- 
ful. The idea of inf^xntry preceding cavalry is by 
no means according to military tactics, as laid down 
in the books, and yet h'ere was a practical and suc- 
cessful illustration of the fact that, in military as well 
as in other departments of science, the books do not 
coiitiiin the finality either of theory or practice. The 
infantry .preceding the cavalry — tlie cavalry being 
concealed — tlie rebel scouts or pickets, themselves 
mounted, were, consequently, in no haste to give the 
alarm, never dreaming of a cavalry force being so 
near them. They thought, of course, as they slowly 
fell back to their camp, that they could arrive in 
sufTicient time to give the alarm, and have aviivy thing 
in readiness before the infantry could reacli them. 
As it was, the pickets, upon whom the safety of the 
camp depended, were scattered evcrywheie, long be- 
fore they could give any sufficient alarm, and the ad- 



198 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

vancing column dashed in riglit among tliem, with tho 
results already stated. 

Colonel Lane and others declared it to be one of 
tho neatest little affairs of the kind ever seen, and 
they voted Major Powell one of the most dashing 
and adroit of cavalry officers, and attributed the suc- 
cess of the expedition almost entirely to him. His 
promotion to a star, and to an important command 
under the brave, dashing Sheridan, shows how he has 
fought his way up, and how his services have been 
appreciated. 

It may just be added that the Eleventh returned to 
Summcrville by the same route by which it came, 
arriving there on the evening of the fifth day. 



CHAPTER XV. 

KEGIMENTAL LIBRARY RELIGIOUS MEETINGS HOW SOLDIERS PRAT^ 

THE prodigal's RETURN A THRILLING SCENE. 

"Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, 

The Christian's native air; 
His watchword at the gates of death, 

He enters heaven by prayer. 
Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice, 

Returning from his ways ; 
While angels in their songs rejoice, 

And say, ' Behold, he prays ! ' " 

While in winter-quarters at Suramerville, time 
passed, on the whole, quite pleasantly; and perhaps it 
might be said that, considering all the circumstances, 
it passed not altogether unprofitably. Through the 
instrumentality of the Christian Commission — that 
blessed institution which has done, and is still doing, 
so much for the soldiers in the field, as well as by the 
kindness of friends generally, among whom may be 
named Rev, E, Babb, editor of the Christian Herald, 
Cincinnati — our little regimental library, the nucleus 
of which hatl been formed by Rev. Mr. Dubois, while 
chaplain of the regiment for a few months, in 18G1, 
was greatly enlarged. During a trip to Ohio, on offi- 
cial business, opportunities were given me to secure 
large quantities of reading matter, so that, in addition 

(I'j'j) 



200 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

to a full supply of Testaments, hymn-books, and tracts, 
we had not less than four hundred volumes in our regi- 
mental library. An old but quite comfortable little 
house was set apart for the chaplain's quarters — one 
end being used as a library-room, the other for quar- 
ters proper and for prayer-meetings. After the quar- 
ters for the men had been fitted up, a dismantled 
church was repaired and made quite comfortable for 
meetings. For several weeks, religious services were 
held nearly every night. A writing-school was or- 
ganized, a Bible-class formed, and, twice a week, lec- 
tures on temperance, philosophy, history, etc., were 
delivered. Some of the most interesting and en- 
couraging meetings, perhaps, ever held, under such 
circumstances, were held here, and impressions were 
made which will never be effaced. 

True, as a regiment, we were in a very exposed 
situation, and the utmost vigilance had to be main- 
tained at all times. We were some thirty-five miles 
fi-om the nearest reinforcements, and did not know 
the moment when an attack might be made; yet 
Providence favored us, and, both in regard to moral 
and material privileges, we were abundantly blessed. 
And, while these lines are penned, the little, dilap- 
idated house, which was so frequently the scene of 
richest spiritual enjoyment and social comfort, seems 
to rise before me. A few of those who came to the 
services there, and Avhose voices were often heard 
in prayer, or in the song of praise, and whose 
Christian fellowship was so highly prized, now sleep 
their last sleep. Men who had fought bravely on 
bloody fields, and faced death at the cannon's mouth, 



LIGHTS AND SHADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 201 

often met to,2;etlier there, and shed tears of holy joy 
■while pouring out their heart's desires at a throne of 
grace, or singing those hymns which, for ages, have been 
as the songs of holy joy and the shouts of triumph 
in the Church of God. How tender and pathetic were 
the prayers which often w-ent up in behalf of dear 
wife and children, who, at home, might be feeling 
lonely and sad! How earnest were the petitions that 
the everlasting arms might be around them, and that 
the sheltering wings of Divine love might be over them, 
and that, if a reunion of the loved and loving at the 
domestic hearth should never take place on earth, 
they might all meet in the Father's house on high ! 
How frequently, too, were the dear names of mother 
and father breathed! and how often — forgetful of all 
but himself and his own heart's longino-s — did the in- 
dividual, engaging in prayer, beseech God to bless 
^^ my wife" or '■'■my children;" and, in some instances, 
a full-hearted son would, in affectionate simplicity, 
speak of " my father " or " my mother ! " What an ab- 
sence of all formality, and what a full, free, outgushing 
of the heart's holiest sympathies and tenderest emo- 
tions were at those meetings ! And how fervent, too, 
were the petitions for an outpouring of God's Spirit 
on the regiment, that a great and glorious work of 
saving grace might be experienced — souls saved and 
God glorified! 0, those were precious seasons of 
social and religious enjoyment — seasons of rich com- 
fort, to be remembered as long as life shall last ! 



202 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 



The Prodigal's Return. 

On a dark, stormy evening, a scene transpired in my 

quarters ■wliich, for deep interest and touching pathos, 

I have seldom seen surpassed. As a fitting introduc- 

,tion to this picture of mingled "lights and shadows," 

the following note is here introduced : 

Dear Chaplain: While listening to you, last evening, de- 
livering your sermon on the subject " Remember Lot's wile," I 
was, as I have often beeu of late, thrown into serious medita- 
tion. I viewed myself thoroughly, and was surprised that, 
having held the position I once did, and enjoyed what I once 
enjoyed, and then being what I now am, I was allowed to live. 
T am lost, forever lost! I know that God is ever ready to for- 
give even the greatest sinner, but for me there is no redemption. 
When but twelve years of age, I gave my heart to God. For 
more than twelve years I lived a Christian life. I served God, 
because I loved his service, and was happy. I received license 
to preach, and, for over a year, engaged in the work of the min- 
istry, and was blessed. To-day, where am I, and what am 1? 
My very frame shakes at the thought! . . . 

T know that I have fallen, and that I am responsible; for 
every man must answer for the sins he commits. I should like, 
sometime, during a private interview, to reveal all to you. My 
history is without a precedent, and is an example for others to 
take warning by. . . . 

I am, with respect, yours, &c., . 

On reading the above, I immediately penned the fol- 
lowing note : 

My Dkar Brother: Don't give up to despair, nor limit the 
mercy and grace of God. Tlie very fact that you feel as you 
do, is a proof that there is salvation for you. The Divine 
Spirit alone can or does bring a sinner to consider his ways, 
and to remember from whence he has fallen; and the Spirit 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 203 

doep this to bring the sinner to Christ. If there were no sal- 
vation for you, or if, as you say, you were lost, those feelings 
of sorrow would not be in your heart. The Lord is dealing 
with you in mercy. Think over those precious texts of Scrip- 
ture which have comforted and sustained you in other and 
brighter days. Get leave of absence for an hour to-night, after 
roll-call. I will be alone, and will gladly see you. I sympa- 
thize deeply with you, and am interested in you ; but, better 
than all, the blessed Savior sympathizes with you, and is infi- 
nitely interested in your eternal welfare. May you be enabled 
to rest your troubled soul upon the all-sufficient Savior ! 

A few minutes after the drums beat "tattoo," the 
young man came to my quarters. He was the very 
picture of sorrow. I spoke kindly and soothingly 
to him, and tried to get his attention fixed upon one 
or two points ; namely, the infinite value of Christ's 
atoning sacrifice, and the fatherly character of God. 
He told me how he had fallen. His mother, long since 
gone to glory, had led his infant mind to the Savior, 
and, by her holy example and prayerful teaching, had 
impressed on his heart lessons of love and faith. In 
early yovith, he had made a public profession of faith 
in Christ, and for twelve years had enjoyed that peace 
and happiness which can only be found by walking 
with God. One deeply cherished desire had taken full 
possession of his heart, and had only been intensified 
us time passed on. That desire was to preach the 
Gospel of Christ to his fellow-men. He prepared for 
the ministry, was licensed to preach, and became a 
candidate for ordination. While pursuing his Chris- 
tian and ministerial course, he imprudently, as some 
of the fathers in Israel thought, made proposals of 
marriage to a gay young lady, who, it was thought, 



20-1 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

loved music and dancing too much to make a good 
minister's wife. Thinking that he had the first right 
of deciding the somewhat dehcate but very interesting 
question as to who should be his wife, he rather 
plainly intimated to those who took a deep interest 
in the matter, that a minister was just as capable of 
choosing a wife as any other man, and that, conse- 
quently, he would do as he pleased. The brethren, 
wlio thought it their duty to show him the error of his 
Avays, in taking unto himself a dancing, music-loving 
young creature as wife, unfortunately undertook the 
hazardous work of proving that the young lady in 
question was totally unfit for any Christian's wife, and 
finished by calling his attention to her defects. Min- 
isters, especially young ministers, have generally as 
much human nature as other men, and are as apt to 
be headstrong and foolish in love affairs as the rest of 
sinful mankind, and the result was that he cut the whole 
business short by making the young lady in ques- 
tion his wife. The censure of brethren was dealt out 
to him, as he thought, unsparingly and unmercifully, 
to Avhich was added the significant hint that the gates 
of ordination were now closed against him. In an un- 
guarded moment, when chagrin, disappointment, -and 
blind resentment had driveii. out or smothered holier 
feelings, he rashly declared his determination to re- 
nounce the Christian ministry ! From that moment he 
fell ! In renouncing the sacred Avork of a life's train- 
ing and a life's desires, he renounced his Savior! This 
he felt. He could not pray, he could not read God's 
Word. Wherever he went, and whatever he did, he 
was miserable, and only miserable. He plunged liead- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 205 

long into ungodliness, and the deeper he sank, the 
more deeply and desperately did he drink of sin's 
poisoned cup, to drown serious thought or quench the 
awful consuming fire that raged within and scorched 
his very soul. One day he passed the church in Avhich 
he had preached, and such were his feelings of horror 
and despair, that tears trickled down his cheek, and he 
trembled so that he had to lean for support against a 
Avail. \Yretched, miserable, and desperate, he wan- 
dered up and down, seeking rest and finding none. 
The thought that he was abandoned of God — cast off 
forever — that he was guilty of the "sin which hath 
never forgiveness " — took possession of his mind, and 
he settled down into a kind of cold, calm despair ! In 
the mean time, his young wife had been led to the Sav- 
ior, and made to rejoice in the forgiving mercy of God; 
and, singular to relate, she became a member of the 
very church in which he had preached many a Gospel 
sermon ! 

One day, while in deep dejection, he enlisted, and, 
after coming into camp, tried hard to forget the past, 
and live regardless of the future. He succeeded so 
far in casting off the last vestige of piety as to indulge 
a fcAV times in profane swearing, and Avas, to all intents 
and purposes, a fearful illustration of a homeless, 
peaceless, godless wanderer — a prodigal in a far 
country, sunk in misery and degradation. At times 
the fearfulness of his state, the terrible nature of the 
gulf into which he had so madly plunged, would 
overwhelm him with alarm, and anon he Avould plunge 
all the deeper and the more madly into sin. A special 
letter from his wife — a letter full of love and Christian. 



206 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

endearment, and earnest, faitliful pleading — reached 
him, one day, and his he^rt was touched. The mem- 
ories of other days — days of peace and hope and 
joy — days of Christian honor and ministerial useful- 
ness — came rushing like a mighty tide-wave over his 
heart, and m agony he exclaimed, "I am lost! I am 
lost!" In this state of mind, he came to one of the 
meetings Avhich were held nearly every night in camp. 
The subject of the discourse was, "Lot's wife a warn- 
ing to backsliders." The following points Avere made : 

She was connected with a pious husband. 

She was divinely warned to flee from destruction. 

She made a fair start toward the appointed place 
of safety. 

She was almost saved — almost. 

She perished withhi sight of the refuge. 

Such is a very brief sketch of the sad narrative 
this fallen minister gave me, as, in deep distress, he 
paced up and down my little room. 

"Now," said he, as he finished, "do you think 
there can be mercy for such a sinner as I am ? ! 
can the blood of Christ wash away such dreadful guilt 
as is lying on my poor soul?" 

He burst into tears, and sobbed as if his heart 
would break, while his whole frame shook convulsively. 
The storm-blast was howling around the frail cabin in 
which I had my quarters, and the sleet was driving 
heavily against the shingles and the window-pane, 
while the numerous crevices caused the wind to moan 
sullenly within ; but, gloomy and fearful as the tempest 
was without, it was nothing to the storm of guilt and 
terror with which an awakened conscience was lash- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 207 

ing this poor wanderer. "0 God!" I mentally ex- 
claimed, "if these are the sufferings of the unforgiven 
on this side of the grave, where Mercy still invites, 
and Hope yet Avavcs her shining wings and points her 
radiant finger to a Savior's cross and a believer's 
heaven, what, what, must they be in the regions 
of the lost, where remorse and despair shall beat down 
upon the naked soul in one eternal storm ! " 

I tried to comfort him with the assurance that God 
had not cast him off, and that his fearful state of mind 
was not only caused by felt guilt, but was also the 
result of a conflict between him and God. " Your 
Heavenly Father," I said, "whom you have so fear- 
fully forsaken, is striving to bring you into his fold 
again. lie is infinitely interested in you; he loves 
you dearly, and now waits to be gracious. Struggle 
no longer in the horrible pit and in the miry clay, but 
cast yourself, as a helpless, miserable sinner, into the 
arms of the Savior — 

'"Five bleeding wounds he bears, 

Received on Calvary: 
They pour effectual prayers, 

They strongly sj^cak for thee; 
Forgive hirn, O forgive! they cry — ■ 
Nor let that ransomed sinner die.'" 

"Pray for me," said he, "and I will try, through 
God's help, to give my heart to him — if — if there can 
be mercy for me." 

Lieutenant Conklin having come in, we knelt down 
and had two seasons of prayer. Both of us labored 
with this poor, crushed, penitent soul, and tried every 



*208 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

effort to lead him to realize the infinite fullness of 
Christ's atoning work. 

Next day I had an interview with him, and found 
him more calm and collected. At the prayer-meeting 
two nights afterward, he stated that he was a brand 
plucked from the burning. He confessed how fear- 
fully he had fallen, and that his comrades knew how 
wicked he had been. 

"But now," said he, "I have resolved to return, as 
a poor, wretched prodigal, to ray Heavenly Father, 
and I humbly trust that, through the merits of 
Christ's death, I may yet say he has forgiven my sins, 
and given to me that hope and that love without which 
I have been miserable so long." 

His statements w^ere simple and humble, and told 
Avith thrilling effect upon all present. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

A GOOD man's last RESTING-PLACE REVERIES IN A GRAVETARD 

HOW WE SHOULD THINK OF DEATH CHRISTIAN TRIUMPHS IN THE 

LAST HOUR. 

"Then M'hile, with visage blank and sear, 
* The poor in soul we see, 
Let US not think what he is here, 

But what he soon will be ; 
And look beyond this earthly night. 

To ci'owns of gold and bowers of light." 

"Tins is where J , poor fellow, is buried — right 

here, chaplain." 

This was said by a member of the regiment, one 
day, as I walked through the neglected graveyard, in 
the vicinity of camp. 

"A kind of strange genius, you know; but, a good 
fellow, a splendid soldier ; we all felt sorry when he 
died," repeated my informant. 

True, he was gone ! that quiet, unassuming, good 
man. Like many others in this world of ours, he was 
not known till he died. lie was one of the Savior's 
humble and childlike followers. Few of us appre- 
ciated his character till he was laid in his grave. In 
appearance he was awkward and ungainly, paid little 
attention to neatness of person or clothing, which, to- 
gether with his retiring disposition, served to separate 
18 (•■^•J'JJ 



210 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

him somcAvUat from his companions in arms. He fre- 
quently came to my tent to talk on religious matters ; 
yet, on such occasions, he said but little. The only 
time that he ever, with any degree of freeness, spoke 
of himself or of experimental religion, was a few days 
after the battle of Antietam. His conversation then 
was but one blessed, glorious outpouring of a loving, 
Christian heart, anxious to perform every duty, and 
yearning for more of the Savior's presence ! He told 
me of his experiences on the several battlefields on 
which we had been engaged, and how he felt while in 
the midst of destruction and death. Artless and sim- 
ple was his little unvarnished tale of Christian expe- 
rience; but how suggestive, how meek and childlike! 
Never will I forget the humble, thrilling manner in 
which he said : 

" I wanted to tell you how happy I 've been in the 
love of Jesus ! " 

Good, patient, brave Christian soldier! thy worth 
was not known till the angels came near to thy lowly 
cot, and waited to waft thy patient, Christhke spirit 
to the bosom of God ! 

"At midnight came the cry — 
' To meet thy God prepare I ' 
He woko, and caught his Captain's eye, 
The strong in faith and prayer. 

"His spirit, witli a bound, 
Left its incumbering clay; 
His tent, at sunrise, on tlie ground 
A darltenod ruin laj'." 



lights and shadows of army life. 211 

Reveries in a Graveyard. 

The graveyard referred to as containing the sleep- 
ing dust of some of the brave soldiers of the Eleventh, 
was used also by the Thirty-sixth Ohio as a burying- 
place during the stay of that regiment at Summer- 
ville the previous winter. But, notwithstanding the 
fact that my attention had been called to the grave 

of poor J , and I noticed here and there the plain, 

homely headboard — the invariable token of a soldier's 
grave — it was several moments before I could realize 
the fact that the spot on which I stood was really a 
graveyard. And yet, that it Avas such a place, it was 
soon easy to discover ; for, amid the tangled briers and 
alders and rank yellow grass, there glimmered, here 
and there, a dilapidated tombstone, the lettering of 
which was covered with moss or green mold. And, 
even had no marble or freestone marked the lowly 
bed of many a peaceful slumbercr, the grassy mounds — 
some but slightly elevated, others nearly level, and 
some so rounded as to show that the occupants had 
been but lately laid to rest — would have told the tale 
of buried, sleeping humanity. 

A grave is always to me an object of solemn inter- 
est, but I seldom read a tombstone. I can give no 
reason for this, save that the grave itself — "whether 
covered with the green sod, adorned with summer 
flowers, or but recently made — is suggestive of inter- 
esting and important reflections. Imperceptibly my 
thoughts revert to the past, or glide onward to the 
future; and scenes pertaining to life, death, immortal- 
ity, the resurrection, and Day of Judgment loom up 



212 LICIITS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

before me, and I tliink less on the age or name of the 
silent tenant of tlie tomb than I do of bis reb\tionsbip 
to these dread scenes. The lonely character of the 
place referred to, the neglect everywhere visible, the 
tangled, withered grass, and rank Avecds, and matted 
briers, and wild shrubs, Avhich seemed to shelter the 
lowly graves and tottering tombstones from the pro- 
fane foot of the thoughtless man, or the iron hoof of 
the Avar-horse, were all conducive to gloomy reflec- 
tions. Perhaps, too, the dark clouds overhead, and 
the wet yellow grass, and the dripping alder and brier 
bushes, which seemed to drip tears over neglected 
graves and the desecrated resting-place of a past gen- 
eration, deepened the gloomy feeling, and it seemed 
as if some hollow, sepulchral voice reechoed the words 
of Gray's dirge-like poem — 

"The Grave — dread thing! 
]\Ien shiver when thou'rt named. Nature, appalled, 
Shakes olf her wonted firmness. Ah! how dark 
Thy long-extended realms and rueful wastes! 
■\Vhcre naught but silence reigns, and night, dark night!" 

On returning to my quarters, I sat down by the 
rough board Avhich served for table and writing-desk, 
and was soon absorbed in deep and saddened thought. 
The lonely, neglected graveyard seemed to be still 
before me. I could think of nothing else but that des- 
olate place, and all the associations, both of peace 
and war, with which it was connected. I remem- 
bered the soldiers' humble graves there, and thought 
how appropriate would be the inscription over each 
sleeper : 



LTOIITS AND SHADOWS OF AJlMY LIFE. 213 

"A BTEANOER HKI'.K. LlTTI,B KVOW.V OP THK KLi;MIii:nEIl BK- 

NEATir, BUT 'JHIH: IIk LOVKD HIH COU.NTIiy, AND FN ifKR 

SEKVICK ANU FOB HKR DEFKNHE HE IJIED ! TttKAD 

LIGHTLY o'er TIIE HOIJ>IKIi'h ORAVK, FOR HA- 

CRED TO THE NATION'b HEART ARE 
TIIE KESTINO-PLACEH OF UER FALLEN HEROES." 

I thouglit, too, of the manner in "which many grave- 
yards are kept; how the dead are forgotten, and their 
last resting-places neglected; and that, instead of 
flowers or evergreens being planted over them as 
tokens of afTcction and sweet cnibh;nis of the resur- 
rection, tlic long rank grass, and tangled weeds and 
briers, are permitted to grow in melancholy luxuri- 
ance. All this, thought I, shows that the dead are 
friendless and forgotten, and that the living are 
thoughtless and neglectful. ^J'he atheist who wiites 
the rcarfiilly wicked words, "There is no God," and 
the infidel who inscribes the terribly dark and revolt- 
ing sentence over the gateway to the tomb, " Death is 
an eternal sleep," may, consistently with their unhal 
lowed creed, forget the dead as they insult the living, 
and they may tread profanely upon the silent cham- 
bers of mortality; but it ill becomes the Christian so 
to act. Rather let believers in the pure, lovely, hope- 
inspiring doctrines of the Gospel not only keep the 
memory of departed friends ever green, but, in token 
of hope and love, let them beautify, with Nature's 
own gems and jewels, the lowly resting-places of the 
sainted dead. Let them make the graveyard itself a 
scene of fjuiet and subdued loveliness. Yea, let them 
)nake it — like the place where the blessed Savior him- 
self was laid — "A garden, and in the garden a new 
eepulcher." 



214 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Why should not the living desire that the resting- 
places of the dead should Avear, as much as possible, a 
calm, peaceful look — a look of hope, a look of beauty? 
Was it not from a childlike faith, and from child- 
like instincts of repose and beauty, as well as from a 
shrinking back from the dark, dreary repulsiveness of 
the neglected and festering graveyard, that the little 
dying girl exclaimed, "Bury me in the garden, mother! 
bury me in the garden?" Was it not from the desire 
that in the early spring the apple-blossoms might fall 
upon her little grave, and that the flowers might bloom, 
and the birds sing, and the sunshine fall all around 
where she peacefully slept? And was it not the same 
instinct that prompted the dying boy to ask whether 
his httle sister would n't come and plant favorite 
flowers on his grave, and whether she and mother 
would n't come, in the long summer evenings, and sit 
and sing by his resting-place ? And did not the same 
feelings animate the bosom of Wilson, the great orni- 
thologist, when he breathed the wish to be buried where 
the birds might sing over his grave? — a wish that has 
been literally fulfilled. We can not make graveyards 
cheerful ; neither can we dissociate from them solemn 
feelings and sad, painful reflections. It is not de- 
sirable we should do so ; but we can make them beau 
tiful, lovely, ay, sweet and inviting, to the stricken, 
bereaved mourner, and fitting places for calm medita- 
tion and serious thought. 

The above reflections, suggested as already noted, 
brought up others related to the same subject, but in- 
vested with more importance and interest. I thought 
about death, as well as the grave j and wondered 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 215 

whether our feelings as Christians, concerning both, 
were not entirely too gloomy. In sermons and books 
and obituaries, do we not speak of Death as that grim 
and ghastly tyrant that has waved his black scepter 
over all the generations of men, and made the march 
from lisping infancy to hoary age but a dark and dis- 
mal procession, under funeral banners and gloomy 
badges? Do we not represent Death as an angel of 
darkness, whose visage is terrible, and whose touch is 
cold and remorseless as the grave? Or as a skeleton 
specter, whose teeth rattle in the fleshless skull, and 
whose bony fingers grasp a keen-bladed scythe and 
ominous sand-glass? Or as a dull-eyed, unfeeling 
potentate, arrayed in garments of gloom, and whose 
symbol of power is his dark and shadowy foot, placed 
remorselessly on the bosom of helpless humanity? 
That a busy, thoughtless Avorld, sunk in sin, and fever- 
ishly grasping the gilded bauble of sensual pleasure, 
should, when it does think of death, have such a grim, 
gloomy specter rise up before it, and point threaten- 
ingly to the dreary shades of the silent land from 
whose dark shores no voyager ever retiy^ns, is but in 
keeping Avith the fearful forebodings of a guilty con- 
science. 

But why may not the Christian, happy in a Savior's 
love, and rejoicing in hope of the glory of God, think 
of Death rather as a white-robed angel, radiant with 
the splendors of the City of God, and having at his 
azure girdle the golden keys of life, ready to open the 
mysterious gates of the glorious future, and admit the 
weary pilgrim of earth to all the unimagined splen- 
dors of the home of the redeemed ? Even the ancient 



216 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

heathen represented Death as a celestial messenger, 
■\vho, Avith smiling face and folded "wings quietly ex- 
tinguished the light of life. ! let us take the Bible, 
with its holy teachings, its sure promises, its blessed 
comforts, and its beautiful pictures of the believer's 
life and death and immortality, and we shall be en- 
abled to feel that, hoAvever varied the figures adopted 
to represent the last scene, we shall be able to say — 

"0, 'tis a peaceful rest; 

Who should deplore it? 
Trance of the pure and blest, 

Angels watch o'er it 1 
Sleep of a mortal night, 

Sorrow can't break it; 
Heaven's own morning light 

Alone shall wake it." 

While in quietude and meditation I sat there, after 
our usual evening services — all quiet around save the 
heavy, measured tread of the sentinel — other scenes 
were brought vividly before me. The thought that 
death, to the believer, is not terrific, but welcome ; not 
a hideous monster, but an angel of brightness ; not 
the grim, ghastly specter of fate, but a Avhite-robed 
messenger from the shies, sent to gather, here and 
there, in the Lord's garden of grace, SAveejt flowers 
and buds and blossoms, that they may be planted in 
the garden of glory, led me to think of glorious death- 
bed scenes I had been privileged to see in the quiet 
walks of pastoral life, in the military hospitals, and on 
the field of battle. I thought of the death of one who, 
through weary months of suffering, patiently waited 
for his summons to the shining shore. How calmly 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 217 

he could talk of death ! IIow strong his faith in 
Clirist! How sweet his enjoyments were, when, a 
night or two before he died, he partook of the Lord's 
Supper ! And how sweetly, at the last, he fell asleep 
in Jesus! 

And I thought, too, of another room, into which 
Death came, but cast no shadows. We had watched 
the dying one during the night, and when the sum- 
mer's sun poured his morning beams through the 
branches of the trees, and in at the open window, we 
gathered more closely around the bed to witness the 
calm triumphs of a redeemed spirit. Save that the 
loving young wife held the cold hands of the sufferer, 
while the holy tears of woman's love and sympathy 
trickled over her cheek, and a sigh of anguish invol- 
untarily burst from her lips, no one could have im- 
agined that any thing like grief or gloom was there. 
That room was not on the brink of the dark stream 
where mortals shiver, and from which they shrink 
aghast; but it was quite on the verge of heaven, and 
we felt like as if we might almost hear the rustling 
of angels' wings. 

"It is sweet to die in Jesus !" whispered the dying 
one, while a smile of joy irradiated his pale counte- 
nance. " Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed 
my sins away!" were faintly murmured, as, like a 
wearied infant, he gently fell asleep. 

Months rolled away, and, while loving hearts yet 
mourned in the solitude of bereavement, strength was 
gained so as to have the mastery over feelings of 
undue grief. Again sweet music was heard in that 
dwelling, and songs such as angels may sing — songs 
19 



218 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

of hope for stricken hearts — songs of rest to the 
Aveary, tcmpest-tosseJ soul — songs of joy in antici- 
pation of the triumphal odes of heaven Averc sung, 
and — Death came to that household again. This time 
he came to one over whose pathway a dark cloud had 
hovered, and whose young heart, years ago, had been 
crushed " nigh unto death " by bitter and cruel grief. 
Plighted vows had been broken by him who stood up 
before God's minister and promised to love and cher- 
ish her. The fair flowers and priceless jewels of 
woman's pure and noble love he had ruthlessly torn 
in pieces and flung from him as if worthless — a crime, 
0, reader, which is, perhaps, seldom if ever forgiven ; 
and he had — ^But enough! Years of silent, secret 
grief had written premature lines on that fair brow, 
and dimmed the luster of that bright eye. But now 
Death had come to take her away to her heavenly 
home, and surely to her the messenger Avas one of 
light, for her countenance was radiant Avitli joy, and 
so calm that 

" We thought her dying when she slept, 
And sleeping when she died!" 

How sweet that death-bed was, only those could 
know Avho were privileged to behold it. So near 
heaven did it seem, that our hearts felt unutterably 
full of sacred joy, and some of us, at least, felt a mys- 
terious heart-longinor — a kind of home-sickness for the 
heavenly home. Death, in this instance again, was as- 
suredly an angel of light ; and the Avearied one Avhora 
he came to release, saw only the messenger of her Sav- 
ior, sent to take her to the shores of glory. 



LIGHTS AND SIIADOAYS OP ARMY LIFE. 219 

A cloud lay cradled near Uic setting sun; 

A gleam of crinison tinged its braided snow; 
Long had I watched the glory moving on 

O'er the still radiance of the lake below; 
Tranquil its spirit seemed, and floated slow, 

E'en in its very motion there was rest; 
While every breath of eve that chanced to blow, 

Wafted the traveler to the beauteous west. 
Emblem, methought, of the departed soul, 

To whose white robe the gleam of bliss is giv'n 
And, by the breath of mercy, made to roll 

Right onward to the golden gates of heaven ; — 
Where, to the eye of faith, it peaceful lies. 

And tells the man his glorious destinies. 

Wilson 



CHAPTER XVII. 

LITTLE SHADY THE BEAUTIES OF SLAVEET. 

One morning, toward the close of 1862, a little fel- 
low, not quite as black as coal, but a genuine specimen 
of what official orders distinguished as persons of 
"African descent," made his appearance within our 
lines, and within the special limits of our camp. IIo 
had been everywhere among the men, knew almost 
every command, could dance " Juba " with such earnest 
good will, and introduce such comical variations and 
facial contortions, that his " culled bredren " seemed to 
be in imminent danger of getting "clar done gone" 
into convulsions or something else equally serious; 
could whistle any bugle-call, and drum any tune ever 
heard in camp — and some that nobody in camp or out 
of it ever heard — could kick the cap oft' his head with 
his heels, and roll his eyes in his round, black face with 
such a serio-comic expression, that one scarcely knew 
whether he was the impersonation of drollery or an 
imp of mischief. My first special acquaintance with 
this little fellow, who was, by the way, a perfect fac- 
simile of Topsy or Tom-tit, was in this wise : 

One cold morning, just after reveille, I had tucked 
my blanket snugly around me for another half hour's 
"little more sleep and little more slumber," which 

(220) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AR]VIY LIFE, 221 

good old Dr. Watts reprehends so mucli. I was just 
getting into that calm, dreamy, pleasant kind of re- 
pose which lazy second sleepers are apt to fall into, 
when a tremendous racket at my cabin-door brought 
me up in a hurry. It seemed as if the battering and 
kicking were sufficient to waken the Seven Sleepers, and 
as if intended to give warning that the gray-backs 
were right upon us. 

Rat, tap, tap ! rub-a-dub, dub ! 

" What 's wanted ? " I shouted. 

"Please, Massa Chap'in, I'se come to make yer fire." 

Of course I opened the door and admitted the au- 
thor of the noisy demonstrations, and there stood 
before me the very impersonation of mischief, native 
shrewdness, and demure humility. The little fellow 
had his feet encased in army shoes of about number 
seven, and dressed in a cast-off uniform which was 
large enough for him to be buried in. The wool on the 
top of his head was kinky and matted enough to be 
impervious to any thing in the shape of a comb, and 
would have driven good Miss Ophelia, Avith her New 
England ideas of thrift and neatness, into a fit of hys- 
terics. He was seemingly about twelve years of age, 
had a peculiar confidential air about him, and a merry, 
roguish twinkle of the eye that told of fire and fun 
and mischief. After he had got the fire roaring and 
blazing, and tumbled every thing upside down in his 
frantic efforts to put things in order, and kicked up 
such a dust in flourishing a hickory broom over the 
floor, that I was nearly strangled, he subsided into a 
corner and surveyed his labors with the air of a hero. 

'"Would you like to stay with me?" I asked. 



222 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

"Yes, sail," lie replied, quicldy, while his eye 
twinkled with a pleased, roguish expression, and his 
ivories gleamed in striking contrast with his jolly 
black face. Forthwith little Shady was regularly in- 
stalled into office, and went to Avork accordingly. 

One evening I got into conversation with him as 
follows : 

"How old are you. Shady?" 

"Dumio, massa; neber knowed how old I is." 

"Have you any brothers or sisters?" 

"Yes, sah." 

"How many have you got?" I asked. 

"Dunno how many I'se got — got some." 

"You don't know how many you've got! Why, 
what do you mean?" 

"White folks count one, two, three — dis nigga can't 
count more'n one, two, three. I'se got one, two, three 
brudders ; don dar's de gals, more'n one, two, three." 

"Do you remember their names?" I asked. 

"Yes — dar's Jim, was sold to Massa Green, and 
dar's Sal in de big house, and dar's Luce that massa 
sold to gen'lman in Baltimore, and dar's Sara and 
Pete and Sue — and den dar's de baby and t'other baby 
and me — how many dat ar, chap'in?" 

"Nine," I replied. He then named them all over 
again, pronouncing each name as he touched his 
fingers. 

"Why did you run away?" I asked. "Did your 
mother know that you were going oflf with the 
soldiers ? " 

"Yes, sah," he replied, in a low, confidential tone. 
"Mother told me I oughter go wid dem Yankee sol- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LU'E. 223 

(liers, for massa had sold me to anoder gen'lman, an' 
slie would ncbei' see mo again, jest like poor Luce 
in Baltimore, llow far to Baltimore, chap'iu? I'se 
gwine dar sometime — I Avant ter see Luce — she's 
good gal." 

"Do you know who made you, Shady?" 

The httle felloAv look»d up into my face with such 
a comical, quizzical expression on his round, black 
face, that I did not know what to make of it. lie 
seemed to wonder at such an abstruse, perhaps to him 
absurd, question. I asked again, "Do you know who 
made you?" 

" Dunno who made me ; neber hearn tell 'bout sich 
things." 

"Did no one ever tell you about God, who made 
all things?" 

" Old Uncle Pete sometimes spoke 'bout de Lord — - 
but dunno nothin' 'bout sich things." 

"Did you ever hear about a good man called Jesus 
Christ, that wicked men nailed on a tree called a 
cross ? " 

"Neber hearn tell 'bout um. Who was Jesus, 
chap'in ? Did you eber see um ? " 

I then told him, in simple language, the Story of 
the Cross, and, when I spoke of Jesus by the name 
of Savior, the little fellow interrupted me, saying : 

"Now I 'member mother talkin' to Sal 'bout de 
Savior. Is Jesus de Savior?" 

Talk about the heathen in Africa and India and the 
South Sea Islands ! Talk about the divine, patri- 
archal institution of slavery, and the eminently Chris- 
tianizing spirit which it has manifested! No won- 



i224.. LIGHTS and shadows of army life. 

der that slaveliolders and their miserable, servile apol- 
ogists in tlie North have sought for years to cover 
up the iniquitous system! But hoAV terrible the 
thought that ministers of the Gospel have stood forth 
before heaven and earth, and baptized the vile thing 
in the name of the God of truth and love, and thrown 
around it the sacred protection of the Divine Word, 
and received it into the Church of Jesus Christ! But 
slavery is dead ! Thank God, it is dead ! What an 
emasculated Gospel, in the hands of corrupt ministers, 
fiiiled to do for the South, the bayonet, in the strong 
hands of brave soldiers, has, in the providence of God, 
most signally and gloriously accomplished. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND EFrORTS OF NORTHERN TRAITORS 

FEELINGS OF THE SOLDIERS. 

On the morning of the 24th of January, 1863, the 
Eleventh, Tliirty-sixth, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-sec- 
ond Ohio Regiments, under General Crook, left the 
Kanawha Valley to join the Army of the Cumberland, 
under Major-General Rosecrans. The division, on ar- 
riving at Nashville, was further reinforced by Stokes's 
regiment of East Tennessee Cavalry and the Nine- 
teenth Indiana Battery. On the 22d of February, the 
division left Nashville for Carthage, on the Cumber- 
land River, and reached that point on the 2Gth in- 
stant. 

We encamped on the south side of the river; but, 
being some forty-five miles from the nearest support, 
and as Bragg had made this point a favorite crossing 
place. General Crook was induced to seek a more de- 
fensible position on the north side of the river. The 
division, accordingly, fell back to a more commanding 
position on the north and east of the village. The 
position, strong by nature, was further strengthened 
by extensive lines of earth-works and rifle-pits, com- 
manding the river and turnpike, and which were so 

(225) 



22G LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

constructed that, in case of necessity, guns could be 
mounted oi barbette. 



Rebels in Front — Meaner Rebels in the Rear. 

It does a great amount of good, sometimes, to look 
to the past. In the light of experience, as well as 
with the logic of events, individuals and nations may 
not only recognize their own failings, but they may, 
also, see how an overruling and All-wise Providence 
has directed, sustained, and protected in the most diffi- 
cult, depressing, and dangerous circumstances. Were 
it Avithin the scope of this work, which it is not, it 
might be both interesting and profitable to trace some 
of the darker and more concealed lines of history con- 
nected with the opening of the year 1863. But, as it 
is, it seems as if at least a passing reference should be 
made, just at this point, to some of the desperate 
schemes of rebel sympathizers in the North at the 
time referred to. Well-laid plans had been formed 
by Northern traitors to demoralize the army in the 
field, as well as to neutralize efforts at home to crush 
the rebelhon. They put forth every effort, directly and 
indirectly, in public and in private, by newspapers and 
letters, to induce discontent and despondeucy^ and even 
insubordination, both among officers and men. Private 
letters, artfully worded, but too plain to be misunder- 
stood, were sent to the soldiers by those shameless 
traitors every day. The writers ajGTected to admire 
the devotion and bravery of the army, expressed pity 
for each individual soldier who was suft'ering so much 
in the camp and in the field, but — but — yes, it was a. 



LIGHTS AND SUADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 227 

great pity — a great pity, indeed, that he was deceived 
by designing Abolitionists ; for it was quite evident, to 
far-seeing people of the Democratic persuasion, that this 
war was not for the Union, but for "negro equality." 
Then the letters were usually closed with a piece of 
information to the effect that, so numerous were the 
•friends of the poor deceived soldier, every facility 
would be given him to leave the army, and that, if 
necessary, citizen's clothing, and money, also, would 
be furnished in abundance to aid him in getting away 
from the "Abolitionist hordes." Newspapers, also, 
like the Cincinnati inquirer, Dayton Empire, Neiv 
York Herald, and World, were circulated as much as 
possible, and no one needs to be informed of the 
atrociously false and traitorous character of those 
papers at the time referred to, nor of the unscrupu- 
lous and persistent efforts they made to seduce the 
people into a wicked and dishonorable peace with 
traitors. By means of mail facilities, some of the 
more vile of the papers named were circulated in the 
army, which, had they been published within the army 
lines, would have caused the arrest of the editors as 
traitors. Like all pro-slavery sheets that have ever 
been published in the interest of human oppression, 
the papers referred to were full of unblushing false- 
hoods, filthy inuendoes regarding the motives of the 
friends of freedom, forged correspondence from the 
army, asserting that the President's Proclamation of 
Emancipation was fiercely denounced by the soldiers ; 
that the national finances were in a ruinous condition; 
that, instead of gold and silver being at a premium, 
as many people supposed, government "greenbacks" 



228 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

■were, in reality, at a discount, and so on. The samo 
papers, also, asserted that the army ever^Mvhere Avas 
becoming demoralized, that the soldiers would not 
fight in such an Abolition war, and that, instead of 
the Emancipation policy being received with favor, it 
was unsparingly denounced both by officers and men. 
It was added, also, that the families of soldiers were 
neglected by those who had pledged to see their wants 
supplied, while it was distinctly affirmed that domestic 
ruin had already overtaken many of those whose pu- 
rity and integrity of character had ever been above 
suspicion, and that the ruin Avhich had thus been 
wrought Avas hardly so much a crime as a misfortune, 
and almost a necessity. 

A private letter was sent to the regiment, at this 
time, .by one who had formerly been an officer in the 
army, which expressed great regret, on the part of 
the writer, for being instrumental in recruiting for the 
army, and stating that ho w"ould be exceedingly glad 
could he only get out of the clutches of Abolitionist- 
military despotism those whom he had induced to en- 
list. He further declared that the people at home 
were so tired of the war, that Indiana, Illinois, and 
New York Avere about to recall their troops then in 
the field; that the National treasury was so depleted, 
that if the troops were paid off" for the few months 
due them, it would be the last they would ever get, 
and that the war was neither for the Constitution nor 
the Union, but for the freeing of the " niggers." The 
letter closed with an exhortation to all who possibly 
could to desert from the regiment and come home, as- 
suring them that ample protection would be afibrdcd 



LRJIITS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 229 

them in the event of any attempt being made for their 
arrest. 

So much for efforts in tlie rear of the army. 

There were matters intimately connected with the 
army itself, also, at this time, that had a tendency to 
deepen any feeling of discouragement that might re- 
sult from such treasonable efforts. Ofliccrs decorated 
with stars, and officers of lesser note, whose ideas of 
war were m.^rely professional, instead of being patii- 
otic, and who looked to no results but such only as 
tended to individual and selfish gratification, played 
into the hands of home traitors, by insinuating that 
the rebellion would never be subdued. Officers of 
various grades — from tlie staff' down to company com- 
manders — could be heard, not unfrof^uently, repeating 
the vile epithets of the Copperhead press against the 
Administration, and even insinuating that if they had 
known that the war would have been conducted to 
anti-slavery issues and results, they Avould have drawn 
their sword in defense of the Soutli. Having so little 
sympathy with the work of subduing the rebellion, it 
is not a matter of wonder that many of these profes- 
sionally military gentlemen should be found acting in 
such a manner as to discourage or irritate those placed 
under their command. Not a few of them, mere fops 
in blue and gold, acted as all such are apt to do, played 
the petty tyrant toward their subordinates, and the 
cringing, cowardly sycophant toAvard their superiors. 

Some of them vexed and annoyed the rank and file 
by unnecessary and unreasonable exactions, while, at 
the same time, they involved company and regimental 
commanders in serious misunderstandin'' with their 



230 LIGUTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

commands. The policy of guarding rebel property, 
inaugurated by McCIellan in the East, and rigidly 
enforced by Buell in the West,^ had by no means 
ceased to exist, especially in isolated commands. In- 
stances were too well known of sick soldiers being 
compelled to lie on the ground, without even straw 
under them, while the boards, fences, out-houses, and 
barns of well-known rebels were sacredly guarded by 
Federal bayonets. In some instances, surgeons were 
the undesigning causes of severe complaints against 
the order and discipline of their respective regiments, 
because they appropriated rebel property for hospital 
purposes. There were several instances of regiments 
being gravely censured, and even of degrading punish- 
ment being inflicted, because rails had been taken from 
the fences to keep the loose corn-husks under the sick 
and dying soldier! Regimental and company com- 
manders had to enforce orders that could not possibly 
fail to irritate and exasperate their men ; for military 
orders are never to be explained, defended or excused, 
much less criticised, by subordinate officers, but simply 
enforced by them. It was frequently the case, there- 
fore, that they had to bear that odium which ought to 
have fallen upon others. 

Take these facts, with the Copperhead influences 
which existed at home, and one can see, at a glance, 
that the aspect of aftairs was none of the brightest 
at the time referred to. And yet any discontent 
or discouragement which might thus have been in 
the army was but partial and momentary. Like the 
finely-tempered, keen-edged Damascus blade, that 
yields to the test-pressure only to spring back again 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 231 

■with a ringing t^Yang that tells its strength, and which, 
. perhaps, pierces the hand of him who tampers with 
it, so did the nohle army of the Union Avhen tam- 
pered with by Copperhead traitors. If it did bend for 
an instant, under such untoward circumstances, it was 
but to rebound again, with such a startling energy and 
with such fierce determination as rung out a death- 
knell for armed traitors in the front, derision and con- 
tempt for meaner, because more sneaking and cow- 
ardly, traitors in the rear. Generals Grant, Burnside, 
and Rosecrans, in the West, and Generals Hooker and 
Meade, in the East, soon put a quietus on Copperhead 
intrigues with the army ; and, by a wholesome appli- 
cation of purifying measures in the army, backed by 
the resolute and unbending integrity and lofty patri- 
otism of officers and men, the blade, which for a mo- 
ment had been severely tried and tested, sprung again 
ready for action, and flashed defiance upon all, whether 
rebels in the front or rebels in the rear. What the 
feelings and determinations of the soldiers in the field 
were, the following extracts from a series of resolu- 
tions, adopted while at Carthage, by the Ohio troops, 
will abundantly show: 

" We, the officers and soldiers of General Crook's 
Division, comprising the Eleventh, Thirty-sixth, Eighty- 
ninth, and Ninety-second Regiments of the Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, being all the Ohio troops in his 
command, having, in common with our comrades in 
arms, cheerfully periled our lives, and every earthly 
interest, to secure to ourselves and to our posterity a 
country and a government — the same which in historic 
times were bought with blood, and established by that 



232 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

quality of "wisdom ^Yllicll, though human, seems di- 
vine ; and, whereas, a number of intriguing demagogues 
at home have recently, by word and act, sought to 
create dissatisfaction among us, block the "wheels of 
"wise legislation, excite discontent in the public mind, 
and in every "way to baffle all effort to conquer the 
rebels ; therefore, 

^'■Resolved, That, in the name of our God, we will still 
defend our flag, and, with an abiding faith in the just- 
ness of our cause, AV-e will still go forth to meet the 
foe, with unshaken confidence that He who led our 
patriot fathers to victory, will crown our ai'ms with 
success, and preserve to us our glorious heritage of 
' civil and religious liberty,' and preserve it for our 
children after us, until Time's latest hour. 

'•'' Resolved, That we hold in utter detestation that 
clique of miscreants known as the ' Vallandigham De- 
mocracy,' or 'Anti-war and Pro-peace Party,' there- 
by disgracing the time-honored name of Democrat — 
they being, in our opinion, but a band of traitors 
and national assassins, who have no censure save for 
the officers of our government — no complaint save 
that energetic measures are employed to crush out the 
rebellion — no aspiration save to embarrass our execu- 
tive and legislative departments, and engender muti- 
nies in our armies — that we spurn, Avith unfeigned con- 
tempt, the shameful lie, circulated by them, that wo 
are tired of fighting, and willing to compromise Avitli 
the Southern hordes now in arms against the Union. 

" Resolved, That we look with satisfaction and pride 
upon the unalloyed patriotism, wisdom, earnestness, 
and moderation of our Chief Executive, feeling that 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 233 

we have in him a man of unswerving integrity ; and 
Ave also approve and fully indorse all the acts of our 
late Congress, being satisfied the grand majority of its 
members are men of devotion to the Union and purity 
of purpose. 

" Resolved, That, despite the frenzied efforts of our 
foe before us, and the despicable intrigues of our other 
foe beJiind us, we Avill abate not one jot of faith or 
hope; but, believing that the maintenance of our gov- 
ernment is worth all the cost expended in its estab- 
lishment, we emphatically assure all traitors at home, 
that not until we have undergone a seven years'' strug- 
gle, if need be, will we cease this contest, and not until 
we have experienced such suffering as was endured at 
Valley Forge, will we begin to murmur." .... 

It was then as now, in this year of grace 18G5. 
The friends of the country, the friends of righteous- 
ness and truth, required to be strengthened, and to-day 
the struggle is by no means doubtful. It will be seen 
in this, as in other great events in the world's history, 
that God will defeat all the plans and purposes of the 
Avicked, and show that the potsherds of earth may 
strive Avith the potsherds of earth; but "woe be to 
him Avho striveth Avith his Maker!" Slavery, the sum 
of all villainies, the cause of this Avicked rebellion, the 
corner-stone of the so-called Confederate Government, 
and the cause of all the misery and Avretchedncss and 
bloodshed arising out of Avar, is doomed to die. It 
must, it shall perish ! And in its final and complete 
overthroAV, God's government among the nations shall 
be vindicated, his benevolent purposes concerning 
the children of men more fully understood, the doc- 
20 



234 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

trine of Divine Providence more devoutly believed in, 
the day of Christ's kingly reign upon earth hastened 
on apace, and man's temporal and spiritual happiness 
increased. This is a transition period in the world's 
history. Amid political convulsions, civil wars, and 
general upheavings among the nations, let us hold with 
a firm grasp the promises of God ! 

As a fitting conclusion to this chapter, the following 
patriotic lines, written by an eminent statesman, are 
here inserted. They were written in reply to a ques- 
tion Avhich was asked by a lady, "Whether he was for 
peace ? 

Am I for Peace? Yes! 

For the peace which rings out from the cannon's throat, 

And the suasion of shot and shell, 
Till rebellion's spirit is trampled down 

To the depths of its kindred hell. 

For the peace which shall follow the squadrons' tramp, 

Wliere the brazen trvimpets bray. 
And, drunk with the fury of storm and strife, 

The blood-red chargers neigh. 

For the peace which shall wash out the leprous stain 

Of our slavery, foul and grim. 
And shall sunder the fetters which creak and clank 

On the down-trodden dark man's limb. 

I will curse him as traitor, and false of heart, 
Who would shrink from the conflict now, 

And will stamp it, with blistering, burning brand, 
On his hideous, Cain-like brow. 

Outl out of the way! with your spurious peace. 
Which would make us rebellion's slaves ! 

We will rescue our land from the traitorous grasp, 
Or cover it over with graves. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 235 

Out I out of the way! with your knavish schemes, 

You trembling and trading paclil 
Crouch away in the dark, like a sneaking hound 

That Its master has beaten back. 

You would barter the fruit of our father's blood 
And sell out the Stripes and Stars, ' 

To purchase a place with rebellion's votes, 
Or escape from rebellion's scars. 

By the widow's wail, by the mother's tears, 

By the orphans who cry for bread 
By our sons who fell, we will never yield 

Till rebellion's soul is dead. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

A KIDNAPPER FRUSTRATED A SDRGEOn's ANTI-SLAVERY TALK A 

SHARP trick; rebels sold SICKNESS AND MORTALITY DEATH 

OF A CHRISTIAN SOLDIER REV. T. SHAIN. 

It is said that "murder will out." So will nature. 
Former habits, still loved and longed for, will manifest 
themselves, in spite of all assumed traits, which are 
assumed merely because they are popular, remunera- 
tive, or conducive to personal safety. An unconverted, 
impenitent slaveholder or slave-trader can no more 
help showing his mean, treacherous, man-stealing pro- 
pensities than the feline tribes, however tamed and 
domesticated, can help pouncing on their prey. He 
may invest himself in the robes of loyalty; he may 
amass wealth from the profits of rich government 
contracts ; he may even have stars on his shoulders, 
and he may be placed in confidential and important 
positions; but the unchanged character and disposition 
will be manifested, and the insatiable lust for power 
and riches will devour as remorselessly as ever. There 
were polished desperadoes and smooth-tongued vil- 
lains hanging around the army, or, in one way or 
another, connected with it, not a few of whom had 
figured in the slave-markets of the South, and their 

palms still itched for the gains of the vile system. 
(236) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 237 

When about to leave the regiment for a few days, 
on one occasion, I charged little "Shady" not to 
straggle away, lest he might be picked up, at the 
same time requesting my friend Dr. Hartman to see 
that he was kept out of trouble. When the troops 
debarked on the Cumberland River, it was found that 
Shady had been sold to the captain of the temporary 
transport — or, to speak more correctly, that the said 
captain paid a heartless fellow twenty dollars to keep 
the friendless boy on. board, so lie might get him. 
When the hospital corps left the boat. Shady accom- 
panied them, and was immediately ordered by the 
captain, who was on the hurricane-deck, to come on 
board. 

"What do you want him on board for?" asked one 
of the hospital nurses, whose suspicions had been 
awakened by what he had seen. 

"He is mine," replied the captain, with a fearful 
oath. " Send him on board hero, instantly. Come on 
board, darkey, or I '11 kill you ! " 

"You stop your nonsense," replied Jacob, getting 
thoroughly aroused, "or I'll come up there and 
squeeze your windpipe for you." 

" You mind your own business and put .oif — that 
darkey 's mine. Come on board, you little black cuss 
you, or I'll Avhale you to death." 

The whole affair beginning to assume a serious 
aspect, Jacob sent for the surgeon. Dr. McCurdy, to 
come down. In a very short time he made his ap- 
pearance, and was informed at once of what had taken 
place. The doctor — a little, wiry, energetic man, 
sharp as a steel-trap and quick as a hair-trigger, and 



238 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

as generous as he was impulsive — ordered Shady up 
to the regiment, which was the signal for the captain 
to storm and SAvear again. But he had met his match. 
The boys who stood by say the doctor opened on him 
such a torrent of invective, and heaped upon his head 
such maledictions, half religious and half rather other- 
wise, that if the air didn't get blue and sulphurous it 
ought to. The captain seemed as if in a tight place ; 
for, if the doctor was a small man, ho had a big sou! 
in him, and tongue enough for a preacher and lawyer 
combined. However, he put a bold face on the whole 
matter, and demanded again: 

" Send that cussed little darkey aboard, or I '11 know 
the reason why!" 

"You contemptible, child-stealing old villain 3''ou," 
said the doctor, getting the steam up considerably 
above common high-pressure, "if you don't shut up, 
I'll have the regiment marched down, and blow you 
and your confounded old boat to blue blazes, before 

you have time to ! Come, boys, what's the use 

talking to such a miserable excuse for a man — con- 
found the kidnapping whelp ! " 

Perhaps there never was such a withering, sarcastic 
anti-slavery lecture delivered as that short one on the 
bank of the Cumberland River — certainly there never 
had been such another heard in Tennessee. 

The stay of the division at Carthage was but for a 
short time, and nothing of any special import took 
place while there. An occasional reconnoissance on 
the south side of the river, toward Alexandria or Mc- 
Minnville, varied the routine of camp life somewhat, 
and an occasional rumor that a large force was on its 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 239 

■way to attack tlie post, would give some little variety 
and zest to camp conversation. 

One afternoon, Colonel Lane took the Eleventh out 
toward Rome, on a scouting expedition. The inten- 
tion was to reach a certain point after dark, and early 
in the morning to make a dash on a rebel force re- 
ported to be in that vicinity. The regiment reached 
the point indicated about ten o'clock. The colonel 
was not satisfied by merely fulfilling the letter of his 
instructions, however; but, in order to find out what 
was going on in the neighborhood, he shortly after de- 
tailed several scouting parties, who were to move cau- 
tiously and secretly in various directions. One of 
these, under command of Captain Jordan, made a de- 
scent on a happy company of the chivalry, in a man- 
ner which was both adroit and amusing. The captain, 
seeing a bright light in a house, marched his party to 
within a short distance of it, and, leaving them in a 
concealed place, with instructions to be on the alert, 
he proceeded by himself to reconnoiter the position. 
On approaching the house, he discovered that the light 
was from a blazing fire, shoAving that there must be 
some people there who were trying to make them- 
selves comfortable at that late hour. Walking boldly 
up to the house, but keeping away from the glare of 
light, so as to conceal his uniform, he accosted a Con- 
federate soldier, who at that moment opened the door 
and looked out. 

" Any of our men there ? " asked the captain. 

"Wall, yes." 

"Haven't you room for more in tharf" said the 
captain, imitating the pronunciation of the chivalry. 



240 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

"Not much — tlio' I reckon we'll make room for an- 
otlicr. Come in an' get ■\varmcd — you must be a'most 
froze." 

" How many of ye 's in tliar ? " asked Jordan. 

"Dunno — house chuck-full — reckon you'll find a 
corner, tho'. Come in." 

"Wait till I go to the fence and hitch my horse," 
said the captain. "I'll be back in a moment." 

The captain went, and did hitch his horse; at tlio 
same time he brought up his men, who Avere concealed 
Avithin a few rods of the sj^ot. With hardly the crack- 
ing of a twig, it was not three minutes till trusty 
bayonets were closed around the house, and Captain 
Jordan, with revolver in hand, sprang into the midst 
of the rebel soldiers, ordering them, in a voice of 
thunder, and with no very complimentary terms as to 
themselves or antecedents, to surrender instantly. A 
rifle or two were raised toward him, but, as if for pure 
mischief, he sneered at them — 

" Git eout ! Why, I ve men enough to chaw ye up, 
ye . Surrender ! " 

A file of blue-coated boys, with rifles in hand, 
crowding in at the door, and the decidedly dangerous 
proximity of the Union bayonets, had a very persua- 
sive influence, and down went rebel rifles and up went 
rebel hands in token of surrender. 

" Purty well done, cap'n," said the officer in charge 
of the picket-post, as this turned out to be. 

"Yes," said Jordan, "we always do things pretty 
well. Fall in here ! and keep pretty quiet, if you 
know what's good for you." 

If Captain Jordan's squad could have " chawed up " 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 241 

the rebel gang, their numbers assuredly would hardly 
have guaranteed such work. So thought the rebels 
while they were being marched oflf, for some of them 
could not help muttering, " Sold again ! " 

Sickness and Mortality. 

The sickness and mortality among the troops at 
Carthage were very great. The Ninety-second Ohio 
suffered terribly; and it seemed as if nothing but 
change of location could save it from serious deple- 
tion. Before that regiment had even been in a skirm- 
ish, it had lost more men, by disease alone, than the 
Eleventh had during the time that had elapsed since its 
organization. At one time, the Eleventh had fully one- 
sixth of its entire strength reported on the sick-list! 
The Thirty-sixth and Eighty-ninth suffered also very 
severely. The entire division was suffering for want 
of proper diet, and it seemed, at one time, that unless 
those in authority, especially in the medical depart- 
ments, did not take more interest in the welfare of the 
men, as splendid and as brave an army as ever went 
forth would melt away through sickness and death. 
Diarrhea, of a most obstinate character, and very fatal 
withal, together with scurvy, was thinning our ranks, 
while abundance of fruits and vegetables could be 
brought by railroad to within thirty miles of the post ! 
What made the whole matter so distressing, was the 
fixct that deaths were invariably sudden and unex- 
pected. And, 0, it was a very mournful sight to see 
one funeral escort enter the graveyard while another 
was performing the last sad rites at the grave of some 
21 



242 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OP ARMY LIFE. 

other comrade ! I Avas sometimes so ovcrwhelraed 
with sorrow at the daily scenes of Aveary wasting 
away, and the kind of calm, despairing resignation to 
surrounding circumstances, on the part of the sick, 
that many a time, when I returned from the hospital 
or graveyard, I could not refrain from tears. For- 
give me, dear reader, for this acknowledgment of 
what might be deemed a Aveakness ; perhaps it was 
weakness, but I could not help it. A chaplain in the 
army hears many a sad and w^eary sigh from brave 
and stricken heai-ts, and listens to many a little tale 
of silent, weary, wasting grief, and he has to comfort 
many a mourner, and place himself in the position 
and speak the words which wife or mother would say 
if near the sufferer.* 

Among those who died at Carthage, Tennessee, and 
whose dust quietly reposes in the burial-ground on 
the beautiful banks of the Cumberland, was Sergeant 

"-•■While at Carthage, the following-named members of the Eleventh 
Regiment died, and were buried in the gvaveyai'd there, namely : 

James Melaney, of Company D, March 12. 

Perry Carter, of Company D, April 19. 

Sergeant J. B. Dixon, Company G, April 12. His remains were 
Bent home. 

Jesse Bartholomew, Company II, April 22. 

Frederick Lucke, Company B, May 22. 

Charles Segur, Company D, May 18. 

George Anderson, Company D, May 29. 

Thomas II. Fall, Company I, May 17. 

Renssellaer Carson, Company K, May 25. 

J. F. Colther, Company E, June 3. 

E. A. Morrow, Company F, June 2. 

J. T. Kemper, Company I, June 5. 

Sergeant T. Shain, Company I, June 22. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 243 

Shain, or, as he was known at liorae, Rev. Thomas 
Shain, minister of the United Brethren Church, and 
pastor of a congregation in Dayton at the time he 
entered the army. I desire to place on record here 
a tribute of more than common respect to the memory 
of this most excellent man. 

He was one of the most humble, unassuming, godly 
men with Avhom I was ever acquainted. His piety 
was genial, loving, and Christlike. Many an hour 
he spent in my tent, conversing on personal piety 
and the work of God in the army. The Thirty- 
sixth Ohio Regiment had no chaplain, and many a 
sermon he preached and many a prayer-meeting he 
held in behalf of that regiment. Not a few were con- 
verted through his instrumentality, and claimed him 
as their spiritual father. Good brother Shain! How 
closely he walked with his God! With what child- 
like confidence and thrilling earnestness he could unite 
in the services at our prayer and fellowship meetings ! 
And how refreshing, consequently, were his Christian 
conversations! With Thomas Fall, his friend and 
comrade, at whose grave he spoke of Christ and im- 
mortality, and with others of the dear, noble men of 
the Eleventh, Thirty-sixth, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety- 
second, he sleeps his last sleep, far from kindred dust. 
But he and they fill honored graves, and their memory 
will ever be green. 

And speaking of the graves of our honored dead — ■ 
the graves of our patriot soldiers — reminds me here 
of the fields of graves at Nashville and Murfreesboro 
and Chattanooga, and elsewhere — on the Potomac 
and the Mississippi, amid the swamps of the Cliicka- 



244 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

hominy and the bayous and the swamps c^ the far 
South. I used to look with sad emotions upon many 
of the phices set apart for burying the dead, and I 
used to wonder Avhether those sad-looking, desolate 
spots would ever be beautified, and their mournful yet 
sacred associations be held with hallowed remem- 
brances by coming generations? Let us talk a Uttle 
of these things, dear reader, in the next paragraph : 

" Gottesacker" — God's Field. 

That is a happy and, withal, a poetic idea, ex- 
pressed by the Germans in their own " Faderland," 
who, when speaking of the graveyard, call it " God's 
Acre," or God's Field. However thoughtlessly it 
may be uttered, like many other precious words in 
this busy, thoughtless Avorld of ours, and however 
familiar and common-place it may have become, it 
surely must have originated from a beautiful and 
happy view of death and the grave, based upon a 
loving and living trust in Christ, as the Resurrection 
and the Life. God's Acre — furrowed all over with 
green graves — receptacles of precious seed — some 
smaller, some larger, some more recently formed, and 
others covered with green sod and cypress and flow- 
ers, and over which the white tombstones stand like 
the labels which careful florists set up over the spot 
where they have sown the seeds of favorite flowers! 
God's Acre — the Lord's garden, where precious seeds 
of humanity have been sown amid the blinding tears 
of sorrow and the fitful sunshine of hope, and Avhere, 
perhaps, angel watchers keep holy guard over that 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 245 

which is precious in the sight of the Lord ! God's 
Acre — where restless, worhlly man sees no beauty, 
and from which he turns hastily and shuddcringly 
away, but in which, perhaps, for aught we know, arc 
going on silent, mysterious forces, which for long ages 
have been working, and for long ages will continue to 
work, until the dawning of the bright and glorious 
day of the world's eternal Summer, when the long- 
buried, forgotten seed, sown in corruption and dis- 
honor and weakness, shall bloom forth in incorrup- 
tion and glory and power! Yes, let us call the 
graveyard a garden! Let us beautify it with flowers 
and evergreens, which will be frail but beautiful em- 
blems of hope concerning those over whose grave 
they bloom, and fade, and die, and bloom again ! Let 
us listen more with the ear of the soul than of the 
body to the plaintive music of the evening breeze, as it 
sweeps gently amid tombstones and trees and flowers, 
and green, grassy mounds, and if our spirits are sad 
and weary, we shall hear, as if it were the melody of 
Bome far-distant harp, breathing out sweetly — 

"There is no death! What seems so is transition. 
Tliis life of mortal breath 
Is but the suburb of the life elysian, 
Whose portal we call death." 

There is but one drawback to this hopeful, encourag- 
ing view of man's last resting-place, and, alas ! it is a 
sad one. Not all who die, die in Christ. Not all who 
sleep in God's Acre will aAvake and come forth to ever- 
lasting life. Living, God was not in all their thoughts ; 
they desired none of his ways. Dying, they flung 



246 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

from them, in despair or impenitence, the hist offers 
of pardon, and rejected the hist but loving invitations 
of an all-sufficient Savior. There are graveyards, too, 
the sight of which awakens in our hearts only the 
saddest and gloomiest emotions. Enter, dear reader, 
the quiet, peaceful graveyard near your own village, 
and which, perhaps, to-day seems so beautiful Avith its 
green covering of grass, and tufts of flowers, and 
snowy tombstones, and Avhcre, perhaps, you have laid 
your own heart's treasures, and where, too, it may 
be, you often go to meditate and to water some lit- 
tle grave with your tears. Enter that quiet resting- 
place of the dead, and call it God's Acre, and speak 
of it, too, as beautiful, hopeful, peaceful, and bear 
away with you soothing reflections and hopeful mem- 
ories! But come, now, with me, and walk amid the 
thousands of fresh graves, in those portions of our 
land, to-day, where the fierce storm of war has been 
roaring and raging ; and if your soul is not stirred to 
its deepest depths, it is because you can not sec, or, 
seeing, you can not feel. Imagine yourself at any 
one of the military burying-places. Just look upon 
this field, for example, several acres in extent, with- 
out flower or shrub, or one green blade to relieve the 
eye, but bare and brown, and all cast up into thousands 
of little ridges, each one marked off with mathematical 
precision, and all so close together you can scarcely 
put your foot down between them ; and remember 
that this bare, brown field has been furrowed by the 
grave-digger's mattock and spade, that each little 
ridge is itself a grave, where some loved one sleeps 
his last sleep, far from home and kindred dust ! lie- 



LIGUTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 247 

member, too, that, in this doleful inclosurc, so sadden- 
ing to look upon, the dead are crowded so closely, but 
so regularly together, that it seems like a field just 
planted, and that the headboards are only so many 
labels, to tell the names of the seed sown ! Alas ! the 
FIELD LS SOWN WITH HUMANITY! Tell me now, dear 
reader, whether it does not cause your heart to thrill 
with strangely solemn and saddened emotions? How 
many hearts are wrung with anguish to-day, because 
of these fields of graves ! How many once happy 
homes are desolate to-day, because these, at present, 
dreary, repulsive fields are crowded with stranger 
dead ! How long, 0, how long, do you ask, is this 
carnival of death to continue? And do you pray, 
in agony, " Come, blessed Jesus ! come and speak into 
calmness and rest the dark and heaving waves of human 
passion, which surge to and fro in our land, and which 
threaten to swallow up all that is dear to man and 
precious to thyself?" 

Fear not, dear reader, although your own heart may 
be stricken, because your noble son or brother or hus- 
band is sleeping his last sleep far from you, and 
because his life's blood crimsoned the dark land of 
slavery. The sacrifice has not, will not be in vain ! 
the country will be sanctified by the fearful baptism of 
blood now upon us ; the hideous institutions of wrong be 
forever SAvept away, and the glories of the millennial 
day hastened on apace. Our God is a wonder-working 
God. He has his own gracious plans and purposes, 
and however mysterious they may seem to frail man, 
they Avill all be unfolded for the wonder and admira- 
tion of all created intelligences in time and in eternity. 



248 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

IIow WILL Posterity look uroN those Military 
Burial-Places ? 

There is another and brighter view to be taken of 
this otherwise dark and terrible scene. Those graves — ■ 
the sight of which, so numerous, and looking so for- 
saken and desolate, have often awakened in my heart 
painfully sad emotions — ^are, nevertheless, the graves 

OF HEROES THE RESTING-RLACES OF FrEEDOM's NO- 
BLE defenders! And, in the brighter and better 
days yet to come — for come they will — every one of 
these fields of graves, so sad and solemn and for- 
saken now, so brown and bare, like some deserted 
"Potter's Field," will be a Necropolis — a city of buried 
heroes. They will be adorned with the richest treas- 
ures of art, and the more beautiful but less imposing 
ornaments of nature. Coming generations will hold 
as sacred trusts these halls of death, where a nation's 
heroes are sleeping ; and they will tell to their children, 
and children's children, the story of Freedom's struggle 
with Oppression, and how that, in the final victory, not 
only America, but the shores of every continent and 
island of earth, were blessed with the advancing tide- 
wave of love and liberty. 

" We never can be deathless till we die. 
It is the dead win battles. And the breath 
Of those who through the world drive like a wedge, 
Tearing earth's empires up, nears Death so close 
It dims his well-worn scythe. But no ! the brave 
Die never. Being deathless, they but change 
Their country's arms for more — their country's heart. 
Give, then, the dead their due ; it is they who saved us." 



CHAPTER XX. 

If God hath made this world so fair 

Where sin and death abound, 
How beautiful beyond compare 

Will Paradise be found 1 

Montgomery. 

"Will you give us that sermon which you said was 
preached to you and your regiment, by some falling 
waters, once, when on a march ? " asked a friend, who 
knew that these " Lights and Shadows of Army Life " 
were being put into book form. 

I came pretty near saying "No!" People don't 
like sermons in army books. It Avasn't a sermon, at 
all, dear reader; it was only a beautiful picture of Na- 
ture's own drawing, and I just spoke a little about it — 
that was all. But would you like to hear about the 
picture? Very well. I will give it to you, roughly 
drawn, it may be. 

Let me tell you how the picture was seen. It was 
on this wise. The column had been marchino; from 
early morn, along dusty roads and literally in a dry 
and thirsty land, where there was no water. It was 
now a little past the hour of noon, and the blazing 
sun shone out fiercely in a cloudless sky. Many a 
strong-hearted soldier had fainted by the wayside — 



250 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

for his canteen was empty, liis lips Avere dry and 
parched, and he was foot-sore and weary. " Water ! 
water!" Avas the great cry. "Water! any thing for 
water, and some shady place in which to rest ! " More 
and more intensely did the sun shine out from the 
brazen sky, while the earth seemed to glow like a fur- 
nace. The dry, hot dust, flung up by thousands of 
feet, irritated the throat and lungs, at the same time 
increasing the intolerable thirst under which all were 
suffering. Onward and still onward pressed the men, 
wearily and in pain, while the dust, increasing in heat 
and quantity, threatened to suffocate them at every 
step. Not a breath of air seemed to be stirring. The 
very leaves on the low shrubs, and the grass by the 
wayside seemed to partake of the general depression 
and suffering, and looked drooping and dying. Thus, 
mile after mile of the weary way was traversed, and 
hour succeeded hour, as if each one was an age, and 
impressions of suffering and utter exhaustion were 
made so deeply on the minds of all, that time will 
never efface them. Suddenly we entered a narrow 
defile, through which the road wound, and, as if by 
magic, or like the creations of some fairy tale, a cool 
and frao-rant breeze began to fan our cheeks. 

Presently the bugle, at the head of the column, 
sounded the Avelcome " Halt ! " followed immediately 
by the still more welcome "Rest!" On riding for- 
Avard a few paces, to where there Avas a general and 
frantic rush, I beheld a scene of such beauty and in- 
terest that I Avill never forget it till my dying day. 
We had entered a somcAvhat rocky pass, or gap, shaded 
on one side by hemlocks and cedars, " arrayed," liter- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 251 

ally, " in living green." On the left was a cool, shady 
glen, or grotto, scooped out deep in the mountain- 
side — semicircular in form, or shaped somewhat like 
a horseshoe. The face of this grotto, composed of 
solid rock, rose like a massive wall sixty or eighty feet 
high, and terminated in an evergreen crown of cedars 
and hemlocks'. The wall itself was literally covered 
from base to summit with moss and flowers and ever- 
greens, among which bloomed, in rich profusion, the 
beautiful wild honeysuckle, which hung in gay festoons 
from every crag and crevice. This was a grotto which 
the hand of man had never made, and these were flow- 
ers and shrubs which he had never planted. Ages 
ago, God himself had scooped it out of the solid rock, 
and clothed its granite walls with fragrant flowers, 
which bloomed and faded, and bloomed again, as suc- 
cessive seasons rolled on, long before the foot of man 
had disturbed its quiet solitudes. But there were 
other charms, and, if possible, richer beauties still. 
At the further end of this lovely scene, and from an 
elevation of perhaps thirty or forty feet, there issued 
a stream of cool, pure water, clear as crystal. As it 
descended from " the cleft of the rock," which was 
nearly concealed by the overhanging flowers and 
shrubs, it divided into a number of little rivulets, 
which, in contrast with the green foliage around, 
looked like so many rills of liquid silver. At each 
one of these silvery "shady rills" stood, or kneeled, 
or lay groups of weary, thirsty soldiers, eagerly 
quaffing the precious beverage, as if determined never 
to be thirsty again. 

A mm-mur of intense satisfaction and dehght was 



252 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

heard on every side. It seemed as if all felt that 
that sublimely beautiful scene had in it more of 
heaven than earth; and so strong, seemingly, were 
the feelings awakened in each bosom, that a kind of 
lioly awe, a subdued, sacred admiration, filled each 
heart. 0, how welcome to those exhausted, thirsty 
men was that " shadow of a great rodk in a weary 
land!" How refreshing those cool and sparkling 
waters, which gushed forth so full, free, and abundant 
from that flower-festooned rock ! And how impressive 
the scene, too, when those exhausted, thirsty soldiers 
reached forth with such feverish eagerness to drink, 
and drink, and drink again ! How they bathed their 
hot, fevered brows, or stooped under the shelving 
rocks, and allowed the cooling waters to fall upon 
them! How it seemed as if every leaf and spray 
and flower were in sympathy with the gladsome scene, 
while the dancing sunbeams looked like rays of glory 
streaming down through the leafy openings above, and 
the songs of the birds, far away in the cool green- 
wood, seemed to be the sweet melodies of the better 
land ! 

And as I looked upon that scene of thrilling inter- 
est, I thought of that loving One who, a weary and 
thirsty traveler, once sat, at the noontide hour, by the 
well of Jacob, and asked drink of a woman of Sama- 
ria. And it seemed as if he might almost be seen 
again, standing in the midst of those groups of 
thirsty men, Avith pity in every look and love in 
every word, saying, with compassionate tenderness 
and entreaty, " Whosoever drinketh of this water shall 
tliirst again ; but whosoever drinketh of the water that 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 253 

I shall give him, shall never thirst ; but the water that 
I shall give him shall be in him a well of water 
springing up into everlasting life," And it seemed, 
also, as if that scene of intense interest could be more 
fully understood, where it is said that, to the multi- 
tudes who hovered near him on the last great day of 
the feast, Jesus cried, so earnestly and so lovingly, 
"If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink." 
I thought, too, of the fullness and freeness of the 
living streams of salvation which flow from the great 
fountain of life and love, to which weary man may go 
and drink, and live forever. And I felt that man, 
though a stricken, sin-burdened sinner, groaning in 
the bitterness of helpless misery, estranged from 
God and heaven, traveling, a weary pilgrim, on life's 
high-way, and suffering from that soul-thirst which 
no earthly streams can ever quench, had not been 
abandoned by God, nor given over to hopeless de- 
spair. No! no! That very scene before me — that 
flower-festooned rock, from which gushed forth so 
plentifully those cool, refreshing waters — those groups 
of exhausted men, reaching forth so eagerly to drink 
and quench their burning thirst — all seemed to speak 
of the glorious plan of God, whereby the heahng 
streams of salvation had been opened up in the 
moral desert, and of which all were invited to drink, 
without money and without price. Thank God ! the 
Savior has come into the world and suflered and died, 
that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but 
have everlasting life ! He is the hiding-place from the 
storm, a covert from the heat, and as the shadow of 
a great rock in a weary land! He is the sinner's 



254 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP AllMY LIFE. 

Friend, the soul's Physician, the sin-atoning Lamb 
of God, from whose Avoundcd side flow those healing 
streams that have washed and purified and saved a 
countless multitude in earth and heaven! And just 
as those refreshing waters which floAved forth so freely 
in that beautiful flowery recess, and of which the 
thirsty soldiers drank so eagerly and gladly, were free 
for all — just as every flower and leaf and spray, and 
dancing sunbeam and crystal stream, which made up 
the beauty and gladness of this precious scene, seemed 
to say, "Drink, ye weary, thirsty ones ! Drink freely ! 
Drink abundantly ! Drink, one and all ! Drink Avith- 
out limit and -without fear ! Drink, for all are wel- 
come ! " — so, in like manner, the waters of salvation 
are free for all ; and the great work of the Spirit and 
the Bride is to say to every sinner, "Whosoever will, 
let him take the water of life freely ! " But, alas ! 
alas ! just as any of those soldiers might have framed 
excuses, found fault, procrastinated, or refused to 
drink of the cool and abundant streams before them, 
and thereby suflered pain, and perhaps death, in like 
manner do many sinners, in their madness and folly, 
refuse to drink of the waters of salvation — die in 
their sins, and perish forever, Avhile the gurglings of 
the healing streams are sounding in their ears ! 

I thought, again, that this was no temporary fount- 
ain to which these men had come — that those were 
no transient waters of which they drank, and which 
gushed forth in such strength and fullness. Their 
source was deep in the heart of the mountain — so 
deep that it would never be dried by summer's hottest 
sun, nor frozen by winter's coldest blast. Flowing on, 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 255 

flowing ever, by night and by day, through summer 
and winter, in sunshine and storm — 0, what a type 
of God's unchanging love ! Eartlily friends change, 
and the happiest homes change, and the scenes of our 
mortal life change, till our eyes are dim with tears, 
and our hearts are crushed with sorrow; but, 0, the 
warm sympathies and the outgushing love of the In- 
finite Father are ever full, ever free, and ever con- 
stant! "I, the Lord, change not." " For the mount- 
ains shall depart, and the hills be removed ; but my 
kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the 
covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that 
hath mercy on thee." 

Such, in brief, were some of the reflections sug- 
gested by the beautiful and impressive scene described. 
I thought, too, of the happy time, when, in the radiant 
home on high, God would wipe away the tears from all 
faces, and crown his redeemed ones with croAvns of 
dazzling splendor, and array them in garments of un- 
fading beauty. I thought, also, how that the blessed 
Savior, once "A poor, wayfaring man of grief," ask- 
ing a cup of water at the well of Jacob, would lead 
forth his white-robed followers, amid the immortal 
splendors of that heavenly country to Avhere the fount- 
ains of glory play perpetually, and the streams of joy 
flow on forever. And as I stooped and bathed my 
own fevered brow, I could not refrain from praying 
that every one there might be refreshed with living 
waters, and that Avhen the great work and conflict of 
life were ended, we might at last all drink of the 
streams of joy in the home of God. 

After a brief rest — very brief it seemed — the bugle 



256 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

sounded — " Forward ! " and again the column was in 
motion. While we halted, the booming of cannon and 
the sharp rattle of musketry were heard on our right, 
which told us, in unmistakable language, that the battle 
had been renewed. It was not till evening had set in 
that we reached the scene of action — merely a skirm- 
ish — and in the mean time the enemy had been driven 
back. We lay down and slept soundly on that ground 
on which, a few hours before, the tide of battle had 
surged to and fro. 

Such is Ufe in the army. Such, indeed, is the life 
of man upon earth. Happy he who has the hope that 
when he sleeps his last sleep, having fought his last 
battle, it will be to awaken in that land where the 
sword of the spiritual conflict will be exchanged for 
the palm of victory, and the helmet of salvation will 
be exchanged for the crown of glory. 



CIIArTER XXL 

Hoover's gap — TULLAnoMA — watkr-cure — will it do in the 

ARMY A GREAT CHAPLAIN. 

Forward — Hoover's Gap. 

Shortly after three o'clock, on the morning of tlic 
24th of June, hundreds of bugles sounded out far and 
near, through woods and valleys, and over hill and 
dale, on the cast and west and north and south of 
Murfrcesboro, the sweet but not always welcome notes 
of reveille. It was a dull, cloudy morning — the sky, 
seemingly, all the more dusky and somber from the 
reflected glare of a thousand camp-fires. Toward five 
o'clock, the scenes that everywhere met the eye, and 
the sounds that everywhere fell upon the ear, were of 
the most intensely interesting and thrilling character. 
Dense, moving columns on every road, bristling bay- 
onets gleaming everywhere, gay battle-flags streaming 
out on the morning breeze, or glancing amid the green 
foliage, as regiment after regiment deployed on the 
various roads — stafi" officers and orderlies galloping 
here and there — the sharp rattle of drums and the 
shrill sounds of the fife, the confused clangor of count- 
less bugles, and the softer, sweeter, but no less con- 
fused notes of brigade bands beating off" at the heads 
22 (257) 



258 LIl^IlTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

of the various columns — made both scenes and sounds 
not soon to be forgotten. This was the first move in 
the great campaign that drove Bragg out of Tennes- 
see, in 1863, and, for the time being, was the poetry 
of war, soon to be folloAved by Avar's stern realities. 

By five o'clock, Thomas's corps, occupying the cen- 
ter, was in motion, moving on the Manchester road. 
General Wilder's brigade of Keynolds's division, con- 
sisting of mounted infantry, armed Avith Spencer ritles, 
Avas in the advance, folloAved closely by Crook's bri- 
gade and the rest of the division. General McCook 
moved on the right by the Shelbyville road, his part 
of the Avork being a feint on Bragg's left, Avhile the 
great Avork Avas really to be done by the forces mov- 
inji; a«>;ainst his loft and center, Bv nine o'clock, the 
rain began to fall, and a regular storm set in, notAvith- 
standing Avhich the troops pushed on Avith great rapid- 
ity. General Wilder drove in the rebel pickets near 
Hoover's Gap, and pushed on, Avith daring energy and 
skill, so as to take the gap — a position very strong in 
itself, and rendered still more so by AA'orks command- 
ing the approaches. In thus pushing on AAith such 
rapidity and dash, and securing the Avorks before the 
enemy, seemingly, Avas aAvare of any movement, not 
only did Wilder gain an important point, but, as Avas 
acknowledged by all, thousands of lives were saved, 
lie pushed forAA-ard so as to gain the southern ex- 
tremity of the gap ; but the enemy fought desperately, 
and, but for the deadly Spencer in the hands of his 
Avell-tvied troops, he might have been seriously Avorsted 
before the infantry got up. The fighting for the pos- 
session of the gap Avas very stubborn, but gradually 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 259 

the rebels were driven back, with considerable loss. 
In the mean time communication had been opened 
with McCook, on the right, who was reported as in 
possession of Shelbyville. 

Rain was falling heavily and darkness had set in, 
but still desultory firing, both of musketry and artil- 
lery, was kept up till eight or nine o'clock. Between 
sixty and seventy of the division were killed and 
wounded — nearly all belonging to Wilder's command. 
A log-house on the right of the road was selected aa 
field hospital, and, shortly after dark, several tents were 
put up, and the wounded cared for as well as possible. 
The arrangements for so doing were most adiiiii-ablo. 
Several hospital Avagons were driven up, and tlie good 
things furnished both by the Government and the San- 
itary Commission were ({uickly in use for the comfort 
and relief of the wounded. The rebels had suffered 
considerably, and, as they were steadily pushed back, 
the greater part of their wounded fell into our hands. 
During that afternoon and night, and the following day, 
the field hospital, established at the point indicated, 
was soon full. Those, however, who were able to be 
removed, were sent back to Murfreesboro, thus giving 
greater facilities for the care of those still on the field, 
and insuring more comfort to those removed. And 
just at this point, let it be stated, that not very often 
are matters more forbidding, disagreeable, and in every 
way discouraging for the wounded, than they were at 
Hoover's Gap for the two or three days it was held by 
our advance. The rain fell incessantly, night and 
day. Every one Avas soaked through, and covered with 
mud, and all around the various field hospitals every 



260 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

tiling was, to a mere beholder, of tlie most dreary and 
forbidding aspect. But — and to their praise be it 
spoken — the surgeons of the division worked like men 
in earnest. It would be invidious to mention names 
where all did so well, and those who might be most 
deserving would much rather let their deeds praise 
them, than any mere record, either oflBcial or other- 
wise. But let this much be said, that this first step 
of the great campaign of 18G3, in Tennessee and 
Georgia, augured well for the comfort and care of the 
patriot soldier. 

At the request of the medical director I attended to 
getting food for the wounded, and hence had oppor- 
tunities of seeing how matters were conducted, and 
can, therefore, here and now give my cheerful testi- 
mony to the kindness, promptness, and efficiency of 
the medical staff. 

The skirmishing was kept up briskly next day, the 
design being, apparently, not to drive the enemy too 
fast, nor to show a very heavy force just at this point. 
McCook on the right, however, was driving heavily, 
and the booming of his guns told that he was fighting 
in earnest. The struggle was for the possession of 
Liberty Gap, which was finally gained, and this, with 
the possession of Hoover's Gap in the center, gave 
E-osecrans the command of the position, and Bragg 
was compelled to fall back. It was reported that the 
mass of the rebel army was in and about Tullalioma, 
which had been strongly fortified. Rebel papers as- 
serted that Rosecrans would come to grief the moment 
he moved from his intrenchments at Murfreesboro, 
and attempted to touch the intrenched position of 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 201 

Bragg. But, as Rosecrans moved rapidly down by 
the gaps named, upon Manchester and Winchester, he 
flanked Bragg at Tullahoma. This was effectually 
done on the 27th by Reynolds's division taking pos- 
session of Manchester, Crook's brigade entering that 
place about ten o'clock, and bivouacking on the south- 
west of the town. A general halt was made here, the 
troops resting during Saturday and Sabbath. 

Early on jMonday morning, the army was again in 
motion, moving forward as rapidly as the incessant 
rain and the miry roads would permit. And it did 
rain, too, as if another deluge were about to come on 
this part of the earth. Night and day it was either 
a drizzling, misty shower for an hour or two, or a 
genuine thunder-storm ; and it was hard to tell, 
sometimes, whether the rumbling noises which ac- 
companied the heavier rains were the artillery of 
earth or heaven, for sometimes both were at Avork 
simultaneously. Soaked with the continual rain, and 
covered with mud from head to heels, there was de- 
cidedly more of the practical than the poetical seen 
among the columns as they pushed wearily but cheer- 
fully along — some of the more light-hearted and 
waggish of the men cracking jokes at the general 
appearance of each other. One day, and nearly the 
whole of one night, however, there were precious 
few jokes. Waggish remarks were voted a nuisance. 
Jokers themselves were silent — completely collapsed. 
Haversacks were half filled with odd mixtures of hard- 
tack, fat bacon, coffee, sugar, salt, and pepper — per- 
haps an iron spoon or a case-knife, and other simple 
odds and ends which make up a soldier's commissary — 



262 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

all in one mixed up, undistinguishable, water-soaked 
mass ! Not a very savory breakfast bad been eaten 
before starting. Lunch consisted of a piece of the 
mixture indicated, "washed doAvn by a mouthful of 
muddy water, and supper was about the same, with 
the exception that the contents of the haversack were 
considerably softer. It was just in such remarkably 
romantic and eminently hygienic circumstances that 
we pushed on — men, horses, artillery, ammunition 
and supply-wagons plunging and floundering through 
the mud. Onward, through the deep mire and bridge- 
less streams, swollen by the incessant rains, over the 
hills, through the dense woods, out on the open, 
swampy plain, we pushed, if in no very poetic mood, 
yet having a very realizing sense of the intensely act- 
ual of military life. One gets the sentimental starch 
pretty well soaked out of him by a week or ten days' 
experience, as we had then. Don't talk empty senti- 
mentalism to an old soldier. He knows better. If 
you doubt it, my non-military readers, just ask any 
of the heroes of the Cumberland if they have any 
recollections of the march from Murfreesboro to Tul- 
lahoma, in June, 1863. 

A person is very apt to remember getting up in the 
morning, feeling as if he had been sleeping on the 
furrows of a potato-patch, or on the ridges and angles 
of a "corduroy" bridge, and having a very strong 
impression that his garments were decidedly damp, 
and had a strong odor of decayed leaves, wet grass, 
and fresh earth. To make one's toilet out of doors, 
under such circumstances, and eat breakfast by the 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 263 

glare of tlie camp-fire, are both sufficiently rustic and 
t^iniple to satisfy the most enthusiastic poet that ever 
sighed for the return of the good old days of sylvan 
shades, moonlight musings, love in a cottage, or a ro- 
mantic retreat in some vast wilderness, and other 
nice, pretty, innocent nonsense. My word for it, if 
the most enthusiastic poet that ever Avrote heart-rend- 
ing sonnets to dear Augusta Matilda, and devoutly 
envied the wanton breeze that toyed with her auburn 
ringlets, and raved to the moon about something he 
called his heart — just as if the moon knew any thing 
about anatomy — and who felt so superior to the com- 
mon experiences of this practical world of ours, that 
he could only live in drean'i-land, and subsist on sen- 
timental moonshine — if such a simpleton had marched 
by day and slept by night alongside some of us dur- 
ing those days and nights — got up long before day, 
floundered about in the mud, and eaten his breakfast 
while the rain threatened to weaken his coffee and 
soften his bread, the starch of sentimentalism would 
have been completely taken out of him, and he would 
have been as limp as a rag. And, for myself, I 
frankly confess that there was precious little starch 
of any kind left in me, after a few nights of such 
experience. The army is a fine place to get differ- 
ent kinds and qualities of starch taken out of peo- 
ple; and if they have nothing to keep them perpen- 
dicular, either in a moral or physical sense, but what 
is external and circumstantial, the soft spots in their 
general stamina Avill soon be discovered, and they will 
learn at least one lesson of life — to know themselves — 



2G4 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LITE. 

a lesson, by the way, wliicli seldom injures any one to 
learn correctly. But to return. 

Moving on the left of TuUahoma, and on a line 
nearly parallel with the railroad, Thomas proceeded 
so as to strike Bragg, said to be retreating east. On 
the first of July, part of the column entered TuUa- 
homa, from the east — fiiirly flanking that place — Bragg 
having taken the alarm, barely getting clear, before our 
cavalry had dashed upon his rear-guard. According 
to all reports which had been made by scouts and 
prisoners, it was generally expected that a long and 
bloody battle would be fought for the possession of 
Tullahoma, where, it was asserted, the rebels had 
strong fortifications, mounted with heavy artillery, 
and where, it was also said, they had abundance of re- 
sources. The scene which presented itself on enter- 
ing Tullahoma, told how precipitate Bragg's flight had 
been. Whole fields of wall-tents, of the best quality, 
were left standing just as they had been in use; and 
around them, as well as in them, were trunks, mess- 
chests, clothing, etc. We captured some thirty thou- 
sand pounds of corn-meal, five sixty-four-pounder 
siege-guns, and otlier military equipments. Every 
thing indicated that the flight was sudden, unexpected, 
and precipitate. All along the by-paths, in the M'oods 
as well as on the highAvays, over which the fleeing 
army had gone, were strewed clothing, wagons, black- 
smith's tools, and corn-meal. Even in the soft places 
of the roads, where their artillery and wagons had 
mired, they had thrown whole sacks of corn-meal and 
beans, in order to fill up the ruts, and thus make a 
bridge, not of trees or rails, but of bread ! Under all 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 265 

these circumstances, judge of our surprise when, on 
picking up a copy of the OhaUanooga Rebel, of June 
30 — the day previous — we read that " General Rose- 
crans's array was in full retreat toward Nashville, 
closely pursued by the victorious army of Bragg ! " 
Still onward, although it continued to rain almost 
without intermission, and although new roads had fre- 
quently to be cut for the artillery and trains — the old 
ones, in many places, being impassable — still onward 
pressed the columns, so as to intercept Bragg, rapidly 
retreating eastward, and endeavoring to reach Chatta- 
nooga on the south of the Tennessee Biver. Before 
Bragg could reach the mountain ranges, he had to 
cross Elk River, a rapid stream, now swollen by the 
rains. The intention was to strike his army at or 
near this river while in the act of crossing. Thomas's 
advance reached a point not far from Estelle Springs, 
just as the rear of the army had got across and taken 
up a position on the opposite side — a high bluff, on 
"which were constructed two or three stockades, and 
some rifle-pits, commanding the bridge. They had at- 
tempted to burn the bridge, but it was so little injured 
that a few hours' work rendered it passable by the in- 
fantry, while the cavalry and artillery crossed at sev- 
eral points above and below. In the mean time, Crit- 
tenden, on the left, had moved up toward Tracy City, 
thus taking possession of the best and most direct 
route to Chattanooga. This tui-ned Bragg's right, and 
compelled him to move almost due south, and through 
a rough, mountainous country. 

On the 8th of July, the forces generally halted, 
forming a front from Tracy City almost to Hunts ville, 
23 



266 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

the center resting in front of the mountain ranges 
opposite Winchester. The command of General Rey- 
nolds lay near Big Springs — General Crook's com- 
mand being encamped close by the Springs and within 
two and a half miles of Dechard Station, on the Nash- 
ville and Chattanooga Railroad. 

Thoughts and Incidents. 

No doubt the reader has already discovered that the 
pen which jots these army items, or, if you will, traces 
these Lights and Shadows of Army Life, is a very er- 
ratic and uncertain pen. Here is another evidence of 
that fact. 

Imagine yourself just resting under a tree, or, if 
you like it better, come into one of our "shelter 
tents ; " that, dear reader, is the polite and official name 
of what the boys call "dorg tents;" but, no matter, 
let us have a little talk. And, first of all, let me ask 
a plain question. Were you ever hungry? I don't 
mean to ask. Did you ever have a good appetite? for, 
of course, you have. Neither do I mean to inquire 
whether you ever felt a certain keen, healthful commo- 
tion in the gastric region when by your Avatch it lacked 
precisely fifteen minutes and ten seconds of the dinner 
hour, and which — not your watch, but your stomach — 
induced you to believe you could eat like a New Zea- 
landcr. Neither do I ask whether you ever felt some- 
what dissatisfied and considered yourself as entitled to 
the honor of martyrdom, because your better half (per- 
haps your better half all to nothing) set before you a 
cold lunch on some day of general domestic tribulation 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 207 

and soapsuds, and wliicli caused you to praj that the 
millennium might speedily come, when the miserably 
abused lords of creation, yourself included, would be 
saved from the weekly crucifixion of stomach and 
temper. No, no! I don't mean any such healthful, 
hopeful hunger as that; but I mean a real, genuine, 
hopeless, prostrating hunger, the result, for instance, 
of thirty-six hours' pretty general fasting, followed by 
two hours' sleep at the foot of a tree, in rain and mud 
and wretchedness generally. That is the kind of 
hunger to which reference is made. If you have ever 
been in such circumstances, then you deserve to be 
pitied; if you never have, then be thankful, and pray 
that you never may. 

During the time indicated in the previous chapter, 
and, indeed, during the whole of my army experience, 
I have, in common with others, known what is included 
in that comprehensive term "a campaign;" and one 
of the lessons learned was this — namely, that the his- 
tory of this war will never be written. The history of 
no war has ever been written, and for this reason, that 
it is an utter impossibility. A sketch may be given ; 
brilliant generalities may be recorded by the pen of 
the historian after the dust and smoke of battle have 
cleared away; rhetorical flourishes, and rounded pe- 
riods, musical expressions strung together and sound- 
ing like silver bells, and pet military phrases placed 
at proper distances on the page, hke general officers 
on a review, may all be brought into play in the pro- 
duction of some grandly pretentious history of any 
given campaign ; but tlie history, as such, will be a 
failure. War, as written on the page of history, is 



2b{> hlO.Hl'S AM> SllAlxnVS OF AUMV I. IKK. 

vastly dilVoront iVoiii \var as Avritton on tlio \o\\<x, woary 
niaroh, llio bivouaf, and the battliMu^ld, It is vastly 
difVorent as soon iViun tho i'OAX parlor lirosidv\ thvon^i;;U 
the pa«^o of a book or tho ocdunins of tho daily papor, 
and soon from anud tho snioko and din of tho ooniiiot 
itsolf, tho groans oi' tho wonndod and tho dying, and 
soonos of horror that tho boh(>hlor novor oan forgot. 
Anil, tlion, thoro ai'o ohnnonts of individnal privation 
and sniVoring that no\or ontor into (ho sinn total of 
tho historian's granil ostiniato oi' uar, and whioli 
"spooial oorrospondonts," onjoying s})ooial ju'ivilogos, 
soniotimos novor know, or, if known, arc soldoni ro- 
forrod to in thoir oonmninioations. And thoso vory 
snlVorings and privations, ondurod by tho patriot sol- 
diers during this Aviokod roboUion, only show how 
dovotod thoy liavo boon to tho good causo in \vhioh 
they have been engaged, and what a debt oi' gratitude 
tho eountry "vvill owe them when the rebellion is 
ernshed. Cowing to eiroumstanoes, which it is need- 
less to relate, on more occasions than one did tho 
In'avo men composing the Army of the Cumberland 
sulVer from absolute hunger. During the advance 
into Southern Tennessee and Northern Alabama and 
Georgia, amid the cheerful feelings caused by a vic- 
torious entrance into Bragg's strongholds, and tho 
driving of his army before ns continually, there were 
times when it needed both patience and jiatriolism 
to bear np in the midst of severe privations. 1 re- 
member, and ever ^^ill roniomber, one jiarticular time, 
during that campaign, wiien tho Kloventh, Thirty- 
sixth, ami other Ohio regiments, neither rested, slept, 
nor ate any thing, save crackers, for forty-eight hours. 



LTOIITS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 269 

stariflin;.^ up or lyiri;.^ down, tlxiir muskets riovcr out 
of their IjiukIs, .skinriisfiin;^ witli the encrny the wliole 
time, while shell find shot were passing over and 
around them — all this, too, in rain and mud, and after 
long and fatiguing marches. The utter wretchedness 
of that weary time will never be forgotten. 'J'hero 
was no place to rest, unless one chose cither to lie 
down in the mud, or take two or three rails and place 
them so as to form an inclined plane, or search for 
some root-prongs above water and mud, and lie down 
in the easiest position possible. 

I am a great admirer of the water-cure system, if 
you will allow me to regulate the vjaUr part of the 
cure, and not mix it too much with mud; but I ac- 
knowledge that forty-eiglit hours in rain above and 
mire beneath, two hours' sleep at tlie foot of a tree, 
with one of tlie root-prongs for a pillow, a cracker or 
two for the inner man, and a " wet pack" for the outer, 
is taking the starch out a little too rapidly for com- 
fort, and seems sufficiently convincing of the powerful 
effects of cold water and jdain diet to suit the most 
rabid Graharnite. Do you suppose, dear reader, that 
it would savor much of the carnal mind if one were 
frankly to confess that he felt hungry and faint and 
miserable after such rough experiences? Or do you 
think that one's conscience would be much troubled 
about transmogrifying a stray sheep into mutton — es- 
pecially if its bleating was constructively disloyal — 
and partaking of a savory slice, asking no questions, 
for the stomach's sake and often infirmities? I don't 
want you to understand, for a moment, dear reader, 
that any sheep ever came to an untimely end, or was 



270 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AEMY LIFE. 

accidentally cliangeil into nnitton-cliops tlirougli my 
instrumentality; but I "will just acknowleclgo that one 
of the sweetest morsels I have ever eaten was given 
me, one miserable, wet evening, by "Shorty'' — may 
his shadow never grow less! Where he got it I didn't 
ask, but assuredly he hadn't time to go to market 
for it! 

Apropos to speaking of long fasts, rain, mud, fence- 
rail beds, and pine-root couches, let me state a fact, 
which I most humbly commend to the notice of the 
more metaphysical of my readers. It is this : I have 
noticed that, after a long fast, or a throe or four weeks' 
diet of hard crackers and muddy coffee, a good, sub- 
stantial meal has a most wonderful efl'ect on one's re- 
ligious enjoyments. Why, I have felt pious all over, 
after a good dinner or supper under such circum- 
stances, and my heart, or stomach, perhaps, was so full 
of good feeling that I loved everybody, and thought 
every thing looked brighter and more beautiful gen- 
erally. Even the rebel chivalry, in dirt and rags and 
general squalidness, seemed to be somewhat improved, 
and to look less lean, lank, cadaverous, and loose- 
jointed. The very leaves seemed to quiver in sym- 
pathy with my good feeling, and the few birds that had 
not been driven off by the incessant noise and confu- 
sion, seemed to chirp more musically and ehocrfully; 
while at night, even the doleful ''Whip-poor-will" 
seemed to sing cheerily, ^' Mutton 's good! Mutton's 
good!" 0, you needn't contract your pious brows 
into a sanctimonious frown, my good Brother Skinilint ! 
It's all true, and if you don't believe it, just make 
the experiment. If you do, perhaps your own cxpe- 



LIOHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 271 

riencc witli tlic li^^lits and shadows — especially the 
shadov/s — of" life in general will lead you to ask, as I 
have often done, How much religion is there in good 
living? How much do our " frames of mind," especially 
of the exuberant, comfortable kind, depend upon juicy 
roast beef, savory potatoes, and good things generally ! 
What connection is there, after all, between the state 
of our digestive organs and the nature of our relig- 
ious emotions ? To what an extent do our fervency 
of devotion, or strength of zeal, or power of faith, or 
brilliancy of hope depend on whether we have made 
our dinner or supper from an abundance of good 
things, and with keen relish, or whether we have had 
to snatch an unpalatable morsel from under the dark 
shadow of Want? Do the luxurious apartments and 
soft couches and well-loaded tallies of wealthy Chris- 
tians have any thing to do with their self-satisfaction 
and easy spiritual victories — freedom from harassing 
cares and general hopefulness? Or do the continual 
struggles Avith poverty, and the anxious cares and the 
want of many things that are craved both by bodily 
and mental appetites, from which the pious poor have 
to suffer, have any connection with their inward con- 
flicts, their seasons of darkness, and their deep, earnest 
longings after other and brighter days ? And should 
there not be more Christ-like tenderness and sympathy 
felt in dealing with the sad and suffering of earth ? 
Should there not be more attention paid to the phys- 
ical wants of the poor, while their spiritual necessi- 
ties are by no means neglected ? Might not a loaf of 
bread, or any little delicacy from the hand of some 
Christian lady, do more good to the soul as well as 



272 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AKMY LIFE. 

tlie body of poor Widow BroAvn, over the way — bring 
her nearer to Christ and heaven — than an eiglit-page 
tract, containing a thin, meager, meta})hy.sical homily 
on the "Duty of Contentment," handed to her, with 
all due formality, by the llev. Jonathan Creamcheese? 
S})eaking of the Rev. Jonathan Creamcheese, re- 
minds mc of one of his eminent brethren, who flour- 
ished somewhat during the campaign of 18l)3. Let 
me introduce the reader to 



A Brave Military Chaplain. 

During the continual skirmishing with Brao;2;'s re- 
treating army, there were several occasions when se- 
vere and serious fighting took place. On one of the 
occasions referred to, when the casualties were unusu- 
ally numerous, and when there was ample work for all 
to do in ministering to the wants of the wounded, my 
attention Avas frequently attracted by a portly-look- 
ing, fresh-faced gentleman, who carried a very nice 
walking-cane, and was invariably seen with a cigar iu 
his mouth, from which he blew a continuous and quite 
fashionable cloud of smoke. lie seemed to be in very 
good humor with every one in general, and with him- 
self in particular. lie had a jovial, hail-fellow-well- 
met kind of air about him, and seemed to be so full 
of general good humor and camp abandon, that be 
was perfectly indifferent to the very sad scenes by 
which we were then and there surrounded. Who 
could he be? He could not be a surgeon, for there 
was too much work to be done, just then, for any of 
the medical stafi" to be idle. Perhaps a special cor- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 273 

respondent of some daily paper, thought I, and, there- 
fore, he is looking on with that air of nonelialance 
peculiar to professional coolness and long intimacy 
with sad scenes. But he had no note-book nor pencil 
in hand, and he was too robust and well-dressed for a 
genuine quill-driver for the newspaper press. And 
then, too, I had noticed that correspondents were in- 
variably busy, in one way or another, where there 
were any wounded. No, no; he could not be a cor- 
respondent. Perhaps a visitor, then — one following 
the army to satisfy his curiosity. But even that did 
not seem to suit, and so I gave up my guessing. One 
thing was certain — he had not, as I noticed, spoken a 
word to one of the wounded — he had rendered no 
assistance where help was so much needed, but only 
flourished his cane and smoked his cigar. However, 
the mystery was solved at last, and my curiosity satis- 
fied. He finally spoke to me. This of itself was a 
favor for which one ought to have been profoundly 
thankful — that is, considering the circumstances. I 
had torn my coat the day before, in a frantic attempt 
to overload the pockets with hard-tack and two or 
three numbers of the "Atlantic." From the crown 
of a dilapidated felt hat, knocked into all conceivable 
shapes, to the toes of a pair of coarse cavalry boots, 
I Avas well covered with mud. Add to this, I had 
spent the previous night in the driest corner of a 
leaky wagon-shed, with my saddle for a mattress, and 
a cracker-box for a pillow; had been liberally sujoplied 
with water from above, and thin mire from below, and, 
therefore, felt decidedly cheap. 

" Hospital nurse or steward, eh ? " said he, conde- 



274 LIGHTS .\ND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

scendingly, as I straigliteuod invsielf up, after having 
finished supplying the woundod "with hot coft'ee and 
dry rusk. 

"■ Here, chaplain — my pardnoi', here, says he Avants 
some more coftee. I'll take some, too — blamed if I'm 
going to miss my rations for this scratch. The ball 
came purty near knocking out my chunk, though — it's 
a fact!" 

The "pardner" and his friend were duly supplied — 
and again the gentleman of the cane and cigar ad- 
dressed me : 

"You're a chaplain, eh? What regiment do you 
belong to?" he inquired, most majestically, as he blew 
the tobacco-smoke into curling -wreaths. 

I informed him, with becoming deference, at the 
same time scraping some mud oif my coat, and trying 
to straighten out my hat, which had been jammed and 
softened out of all shape. 

" I am chaplain, too," said he, with becoming grav- 
ity, and with that self-importance becoming so great a 

personage. " I am chaplain of the regiment," he 

continued, between the puiFs— "have been at homesick 
for some time, but, in all the engagements -which we 
have been in, I have always occupied my ofiicial posi- 
tion, namely, six paces in the rear of my regiment." 

Bah ! thought I — your true position would be a few 
score of miles in the rear of the army. Sick ! Was 
there ever such a jolly, ruddy, plump, ponderous bur- 
lesque on sickness ! And that shining cane, too, and 
those everlasting cigars ! Six paces in the rear of the 
regiment during battle ! How brave I No wonder ho 
could not condescend to such small matters as to speak 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 275 

a Avord of comfort to tlie sufferers, nor give one of 
them a cup of cold water! 

In striking contrast with tlie conduct of the above- 
mentioned gentleman, was that of Chaplain Grimes, 
of the Ninety-second Ohio. Although in feeble health 
himself, he worked everywhere, and at all times, for the 
good of his own men as well as for those of other com- 
mands, lie persevered for months in his arduous la- 
bors, seeking the Avelfare of all with whom he came into 
contact, till, at last, he had to yield to stern necessity 
and ask to be relieved from duty. When he left the 
army it was with the respect and esteem of all who 
knew his labors and his self-sacrificing spirit. Of him,' 
however, it might be said, that his very anxiety to labor, 
and his nervous energy in all he undertook, especially 
in visiting the hospitals, so exhausted his already weak 
frame, that he was all the sooner and all the more com- 
pletely incapacitated for army labor. I thus record 
my apprcciatign of a good man and an efficient chap- 
lain. 



CHArTER XXII. 

ROSECRANs's ADVANCE — CROSSING LOOKOUT — PERILOUS TOSITION OF 
TUE ARMY. 

Toward tlie middle of August, the railroad from 
Murfrcesboro to Chattanooga had been repaired as far 
as CoAvan, and materials had been collected at difter- 
ent points, from Tullahoma to Dechard, to continue 
re})airs as the army advanced. Supplies had been 
collected, the troops -were rested and refreshed, and 
every thing Avas promising and cheerful. On the llUh 
and 17th a general advance of the -whole line took 
place. General Reynolds's division had already ad- 
vanced to University, a point of some note on the 
Cumberland range, so that while part of the corps Avas 
moving from Dechard, our division was already well 
advanced. The line pursued by Thomas's corps was 
nearly parallel with the Nashville and Chattanooo-a 
Railroad — the third division (Reynolds's) being con- 
siderably east of that road. General McCook, still 
on the right, moved on a line a little west of south, so 
as to strike the Tennessee River west of Stevenson. 
On the 23d of August our troops occupied Jasper, at 
which point our division lay till the 1st of Septem- 
ber. On that and the succeeding days, the entire 

force in the Sequatohie Valley crossed the river, at 
(276) 



LI(;iITS AND SHADOWS 01" ARMY LIFE. 277 

Slicllmound, while other portions of the corps crossed 
at dilFerent points below, while McCook, at about the 
same time, crossed at points at and below JJridgeport. 
Meanwhile, Crittenden was moving more to the oast, 
threatenin"; (Jhattanoo'ca, ■whither, it was stated, Jjra"-"- 
had retreated and was fortifying for the final struggle 
in the "last ditch." Thus, it wili be seen that tiie line 
of battle formed by the various columns of the Army 
of the Cumbcrliind, at the time referred to — say from 
the 28th of August till the 4th of September — was 
not less than f(n-ty-five miles, and facing nearly south, 
or a little east of south. The intention of llosecrans 
was to get Bragg out of Chattanooga — not ])y fighting, 
Ijut by strategy. To accomplish this, part of Critten- 
den's corps, as already stated, moved up on the north 
side of the Tennessee toward that place. Proceeding 
a short distance above the city, they made demon- 
strations as if about to cross the river. The troops 
flapped and pounded boards, cut down trees, sawed 
off the ends of planks and logs, designedly made chij)3 
and coarse shavings, and threw them into the current, 
which, floating past Bragg's camps below, intimated 
that the Yankee invaders were making pontoon l^ridgcs, 
in order to cross above the city. "Wilder suddenly 
showed himself on the bluffs north of the town, un- 
limbcred his artillery almost under Bragg's nose, and 
sent a few shells and round sliot into the city and the 
rebel camps. While JJragg's attention was thus di- 
verted near Chattanooga, and Crittenden was seem- 
ingly working with the utmost energy to effect a cross- 
ing above the city and turn his right, the pontoon 
bridges at Caperton's Ferry, three miles from Steven- 



278 LIGIIITS AND 'shadows OF ARMY LIFE. 

son, and the one at Bridgeport, twelve miles above, 
were successfully finished, and the troops under Thomas 
and McCook safely across. As soon as the army 
was fairly across the river, the right was pushed rap- 
idly forward, which changed the line of battle from 
nearly due south to south-east. The cavalry on the 
extreme right swung round, so as to avoid the im- 
mense mountain ranges, and threatened the extensive 
net-work of railroads in Bragg's rear, and upon which 
he had to depend for supplies. Thus, by the peculiar 
nature of the country, the long sweep Avhich the rail- 
roads have to make in order to avoid the northern 
extremity of Mission Ridge, Crittenden threatened 
Bragg's lines of communication on the north and east, 
while Thomas and McCook, sweeping around or over 
Lookout and the mountain ranges below, threatened 
them on the south and west. Any one, who will take 
a map and trace these movements, will admire the mili- 
tary strategy displayed by General Rosecrans on this 
occasion, and which was so successful. 

On the afternoon of the 3d, we crossed over the 
hio;h ranjre of hills known as Raccoon Mountain, our 
division taking a commanding position in the Trenton 
Valley, shortly after dark. A rebel cavalry force evac- 
uated the north-east point of the mountain as our ad- 
vance swept round. The rebel signal-hghts could be 
distinctly seen working on Lookout Mountain. Our 
camp-fires, however, were kindled on the west side of 
some low hills at the foot of the mountain, so that the 
movements were partially concealed. Two pieces of 
artillery were Avheelcd into position so as to command 
the Trenton and Chattanooga roads, while several 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 279 

pieces were placed in position and masked in the 
woods overlooking the valley. General Crittenden, 
with the remainder of his corps, was cautiously mov- 
ing up on our left toward the great pivot on which 
both armies were at this time swinging — namely, Chat- 
tanooga. 

Crossing Lookout. 

The crossing of Lookout Mountain by the Army of 
the Cumberland equaled, and, in some respects, ex- 
celled, the celebrated crossing of the Alps by Napo- 
leon — aside, entirely, from the fact that it had to be 
crossed in the face of the enemy, and that there were 
but two passes or gaps by which an army, with its 
artillery and wagon-trains, could possibly proceed with 
any reference to safety. On Wednesday, the 9th of 
September, Thomas's corps commenced the difficult 
work of crossing the mountain by the central pass, 
about eight miles south of Trenton, known as Coop- 
er's and Stevens's Gaps. McCook's corps crossed by 
the pass known as Winston's Gap, about twenty miles 
south of Trenton. Crittenden swept around the north- 
ern extremity of Lookout Mountain, where it termin- 
ates close by the Tennessee River, and within five 
miles of Chattanooga. Before the crossing of the 
central column had commenced, intelligence was re- 
ceived that Bragg had evacuated Chattanooga, and 
Crittenden had taken possession of the town. So well 
planned and so well executed, so far, were the move- 
ments of Rosecrans, that Bragg was compelled to fall 
back from Chattanooga, or permit himself to be shut 
up in that nook on the Tennessee between two mount- 



280 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

ain ranges. By moving across Lookout by Stevens's 
Gap, Thomas's corps threatened Bragg's rear at La- 
fayette, and McCook's cavalry were threatening Rome 
still further south, a detachment of which, under Colo- 
nel Brownlow, having advanced to within five miles of 
that place. 

On the evening of the 10th, after a toilsome march 
through the steep, rough, rocky, mountain pass, the 
advance, under Genei'al Turchin, of Reynolds's divi- 
sion, reached the southern base of Lookout, a little 
after dark. The Thirty-sixth Ohio was in the advance 
of the brigade, and their skirmishers drove in the 
enemy's pickets. A force sufficiently heavy was ad- 
vanced in order to drive back the enemy sufficiently 
to permit us to get room enough to camp, and reach a 
supply of Avater. No sooner were the enemy's pickets 
driven in, than hundreds of camp-fires were speedily 
blazing all along the foot of the mountain and through 
the gap, just as if there had been twenty thousand of 
us, when, in reality, there were not then three thou- 
sand fairly over the mountain and facing the enemy! 
During the darkness we had to grope our yvnj in 
search for ground sufficiently level upon Avhich to 
spread our blankets, while the immense trains had to 
be huddled into the closest possible position. A heavy 
picket line was thrown out, and we held ourselves in 
readiness for battle any moment. As troops with their 
artillery and wagon-trains were pushing close behind, 
and in the darkness objects Avrapped in rubber blan- 
kets could not be distinctly seen among the pine and 
laurel bushes, there was not much hope of a comfort- 
able night's rest — even granting that the rebels should 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 281 

not make an attack during the niglit. Colonel L:nie 
and the chaplain entered into a joint-stock partnership 
in the matter of blaidcets and saddles, and, with the 
assistance of the ever-faithful Mike, prepared to spend 
the night with a due regard to comfort. By dint of 
groping with hands and feet, and aided somewhat by 
the glare of the camj)-fires, Ave discovered two im- 
mense logs, lying nearly parallel, and about five feet 
apart. Here were double breastworks — or side-vf ovks, 
rather — which would prevent us from being unduly 
disturbed either by stray mules or their drivers, floun- 
dering about in the darkness. After a sweet — not 
literally, but ideally sweet — cup of robust coffee, and 
an equally sweet allowance of hard-tack, we lay down 
in our rural retreat. O, ye love-sick noodles, who sigh 
for sylvan shades, wouldn't ye have been in transports 
there! Mike, who was always exact in military eti- 
quette to the colonel, and exhibited all due respect 
for his "riverence," treated both of us, in the matter 
of going to bed, much as if he thought us a couple of 
spalpeens that were under his special care. The col- 
onel might be equal to Alexander the Great, and the 
chaplain — "barring he Avas a heretic, bad scran to him 
for that ! " — might be next-door neighbor to the " howly 
praist of Ballyshannon," but neither of them knew 
enough to make an orthodox bed ! 

" Sure, an is n't it meself knows how to fix yees 
right?" he Avould say, as he tucked the blankets round 
us, and gave our saddle-pillows a finishing touch. 

It is a matter of doubt whether he did not give the 
colonel the Avorst side of the rough, rocky bed that 
night. I have an indistinct impression that he Avas 
24 



2^2 IJOUTi? AND SUADinVS OF AUMY LIFE. 

iiu'linod to roll *lown lull, aiul, but for the loi^, tlioro is 
no sayiui:; whoro he mii;-ht have gone, AVo avovo just 
l>oi;iuniu<:; to dozo swootly ami ilroaniily, when a toaui- 
stor, thinkiui; it Avould bo a <:rooil place to food his 
mulof! at, pitohod an armful of croon cornstalks over 
ns, and began loading up his nudos — using the col- 
onel and the chaplain as the bottom of his feeding- 
trough! 'fhis was a little too much of the romantic 
all at once, and the teamster Mas informed that ve 
Avoro not anxious to cultivate such a close acquaint- 
ance "with his nuiles, just at that time. Again avo 'wero 
trying to sleep amid the hum and bustle of the troops, 
■when a weary soldier, putting his gun close by our 
heads, stretched himself on the log above us. I began 
to o;ilculate his possible weight in pounds, and the laws 
of gravitation whieh would operate, should he begin to 
roll in his sleep, and formed a rough estimate of the 
number of ribs which I might require set in the event 
of his rolling on ))n/ side of the log. He finally moved 
away. Now for sleep. JIi<h)i<j}if. — There is more 
quiet. But no ! 

"Colonel! Colonel Lane!" Aroused again. It is 
Captain Price, of Cioneral Turchin's stall'. 

*'Tho general desires me to say that you will send 
out two companies, mulor Major Iliggins, at throe 
o'clock, to strengthen the picket line. The enemy's 
pickets are to bo driven in, and our own piokets ad- 
vanced half a mile beyond where theirs now ,iro." 

The necessary orders are given, and again Colonel 
Lane lies down. But we may as well give it up. One 
o'clock. — No sleep. 2\co o'clock. — The men, wearied 
with the toilsome march of the previous day, are sleep- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 283 

in;^ sounflly on tlicir rocky bcfls and uri'lcr tlio starry 
canopy of" heaven, and must be aroused. We expect 
the roar of battle any moment, and listen for the boom 
of the first gun. Three (jclock. — 'J'he companies de- 
tailed for the picket line have liad a cup of coffee, and 
Lave started with the major. 

And 80 the morning wears away. At seven o'clock 
the lines are advanced cautiously. Ncgley has been 
fighting already, and the enemy is showing strength. 
The column moved forward cautiously till the 14th, 
when the battle lines were formed in the valley lying 
between Pigeon and Lookout Mountains, known as 
McLemorc's Cove. General Reynolds's division was 
opposite Catlet's Gap, a deep gorge in Pigeon Mount- 
ain. Turchin's brigade was pushed close to the gap, 
and engiiged Hood's division more or less during the 
whole day. The Eleventh Ohio, at this time, was on 
duty for forty-eight hours, and constantly under fire. 
'J'lje regiment was relieved on the evening of the IGth, 
a few hours after having repelled a determined assault 
of the enemy. 

Chickamauga. 

The strategic movements of Rosecrans, sketched so 
briefly in the foregoing pages, not only bewildered 
Bragg, but alarmed the whole Southern Confederacy, 
as was evidenced by the strenuous efforts put forth to 
arrest the further progress of the Union army. It 
was but a few days after Rosecrans had fairly crossed 
Lookout Mountain, when accumulating evidence was 
given that Rragg Avas being reinforced, and that now a 
stand would be made, and, perhaps, a battle fought for 



284 LIOillTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

the final possession of Chattanooga. "While Thomas's 
corps Avas feeling the strength of the enemy holding 
the gaps of Pigeon Mountain, Crittenden had advanced 
on the left as far as Ringgold, on the railroad leading 
to Atlanta. He soon ascertained that Brasrs; was at 
Lafayette, and was in position. Seeing this, he fell 
hack toward Lookout, crossed the Chiekamauga at 
Gordon's Mills, and so disposed of his forces as to he 
within reach of Thomas, and yet not uncover Chatta- 
nooga. All the gaps in Pigeon Mountain were held 
by Bragg, and it was now ascertained beyond a doubt 
that he had been largely reinforced, and was marching 
back so as to fight Rosecrans's scattered army, and 
regain the point from which he had been driven by 
strategic movements. Then came the hours of anxiety 
for generals, and the days and nights of forced marches 
for brave but weary soldiers, over the mountains and 
through the valleys. McCook, who was seventeen 
miles further down the valley, was ordered to close up 
on Thomas with all possible haste, which he did after 
a toilsome march of forty-six miles — he having made 
a detour around and across Lookout, instead of march- 
ing by a road on its crest. He reached Catlett's Gap 
on the evening of the 17th — having, by a mistake he 
made in believing the reports of refugees that there 
was no road on the mountain, occupied four days in 
marching a distance which should have been accom- 
plished in a day and a half. 

On the evening of tho 18th, the great movements, 
designed' to concentrate the Union arm}'' at a point 
nearer Chattanooga, were commenced. McCook's 
corps relieved Thomas at Catlett's Gap, who immedi- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 285 

atclj began to close up on Crittenden, who was seri- 
ously threatened by Bragg's right. Already three 
days of precious time had been lost waiting for the 
troops under McCook to reach the valley — days em- 
ployed to great advantage by Bragg, for whose rein- 
forcement troops had been hurried from every part of 
the Confederacy. In one week's time he had received 
Longstreet's veteran troops from Lee's army, several 
brigades from Mobile and Charleston, ten thousand, 
under Buckncr, from East Tennessee, a portion of 
Johnston's army, from the Mississippi, together with 
thousands of those whom Grant had paroled at Vicks- 
burg. Bragg's army was thus swelled to eighty thou- 
sand — some statements make it as high as one hundred 
thousand — effective troops. 



CILVrTER XXIII. 

BATTLE OF CmCKAMAl'GA — PREl'ARATIONS — RELIGIOUS SERVICES ON 

THE FIELD — Reynolds's division — heroic conduct of the 

UNION ARMY. 

At five o'clock on tlic evening of the IStli, Thomas's 
corps was fairly in motion. Although in the month 
of September, and in a warm climate, it was very cold, 
and was more like a night in November in more 
northern regions than a September evening in the 
sunny South. The point aimed at was the junction 
of the roads in the Chiekamauga Valley leading into 
Chattanooga, toward which the enemy was moving in 
great force, in order to crush Crittenden and get be- 
tween the river and the Union army. Our way, the 
entire distance of about twelve miles, was lighted by 
burning fences, all of which, on each side of the road, 
were in a blaze. Not a single fence the entire dis- 
tance but was blazing, and no human power could 
possibly have extinguished the immense conflagration. 
The mountains on either side could occasionally be 
seen illuminated as the cold, eddying wind, now and 
again, lifted up the heavy, dark cloud of smoke which 
hung above us, and the stars seemed to shine with a 
pale, ghastly hue from out the reddish sky, lighted up 

with the lurid glare from below. This was in keeping 

(•2S.-,) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 287 

with War's stern, gloomy visage, a fitting accompani- 
ment to the fearful scenes of the morrow. The re- 
morseless fire by night was in stern keeping with the 
devouring sword by day. 

About four o'clock in the morning, we halted for a 
short rest. Our division had been engaging the en- 
emy during several days and nights preceding, and 
not one of us had enjoyed the comfort of a night's 
rest for nearly a week. Men more weary or ex- 
hausted, perhaps, never lay down to rest upon the 
cold ground, than did those composing the Eleventh 
Ohio on that eventful morning. Our eyes and nos- 
trils were smarting with pain, caused by the dense 
clouds of smoke from the ])urning woods and fences, 
and we' shivered in the cold night-wind that swept 
down the valley as if from some icy region. Soon 
after, sitting down under a tree, near which a fire was 
burning, exhausted nature yielded to sleep's gentle 
wooings, and I became oblivious to the weary tramp, 
tramp, the blinding smoke, and the choking dust. j\Iy 
sleep was sweet, although a fence-rail was my only 
pillow, and the bleak night-wind chilled my Aveary 
frame, and the dreams of that hour's repose were of 
other and brighter scenes than those of a long and 
weary night-march. We had rested thus for about an 
hour, when " Fall in ! — Forward ! " fell gruffly on the 
ear of many a dreamer who Avould, ere another night, 
be sleeping his last sleep on the field of battle. Day 
was just dawning as we resumed our rapid march, 
and at seven o'clock we halted near Gordon's Mills. 
A short time was allowed the troops to make coffee, 
and, in the straits of military exigencies, the colonel 



288 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

and chaplain were glad to share with each other the 
contents of their haversacks. 

Scarcely had we finished our frugal breakfast, when 
the heavy booming of cannon told that the conflict, 
had begun. Preparations were needed for the dark 
and terrible hours which were impending. Not only 
does the body require nourishment, but the soul re- 
quires strength. If this be so in the hours of peace 
and conscious security, how much more in the dread 
hour of battle, and in the consciousness of danger and 
death! And then how necessary to have grace to 
speak words of encouragement, Vtords of sympathy, 
words of wai'ning to dear comrades who may fall 
bleeding and dying on the field of strife ! And where 
can needed strength for soul and body be secured but 
at a throne of grace? There are "stones of memo- 
rial" which faith and gratitude have reared at Bull 
Run and South Mountain — at Antictam and Hoover's 
Gap ; and there is one, too, under a tree on the south- 
ern slopes of Mission Ridge, overlooking bloody Chick- 
amauga, where heavenly voices seemed to whisper, in 
the ear of a weak, trembling servant of God, those 
precious words : " For in the time of trouble lie shall 
hide me in his pavilion ; in the secret of his taber- 
nacle he shall hide me." 

Preparations for Battle — An Impressive Scene. 

At eight o'clock our regiment formed in line of 
battle, and took position on the brow of a hill, about 
two miles north of Gordon's Mills, and near the Chat- 
tanooga road. By this time the engagement had be- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 289 

come general, and troops were rushing forward rap- 
idly. Feeling anxious to have one more opportunity 
of speaking a Avord of encouragement to the patriot 
soldiers who were about to enter into the very jaws 
of death, and many of whom, perhaps, would never 
hear words of prayer upon earth again, I rode up to 
Colonel Lane, and asked just five minutes' time to 
pray with them before going into action. " Certainly," 
was his instant reply. " I wish you would have serv- 
ices; I think there will be time." 

Another pen must describe the scene as witnessed 
by others on the morning of that eventful day. Says 
a correspondent: 

"General Turchin's brigade of Reynolds's division, 
Thomas's corps, consisting of the Eleventh Ohio, 
Colonel Lane; the Thirty-sixth Ohio, Colonel Jones; 
the Ninety-second Ohio, Colonel Fearing, and the 

Eighteenth Kentucky, Colonel , took position 

on a low spur of the ridge near the Chattanooga road, 
and in the rear of the tannery already spoken of. Be- 
fore the skirmishers were deployed, a scene occui-red 
with the Eleventh, which, for sublimity and moving 
power, has been seldom surpassed. The chaplain rode 
up in front of the line, and the colonel gave an order 
which, on being executed, formed the regiment in two 
divisions, with the chaplain in the center. Without 
dismounting, he addressed the troops in a clear, loud 
voice, that sounded strangely amid the loud explosions 
of the artillery and the rattle of musketry. He spoke 
about the holy cause for which they were to fight that 
day; that it was not for territory or revenge or mili- 
25 



290 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

tary glory; but for home anel country, for liberty and 
truth, for God and Humanity ! 

" ' It is but little I can do for you,' said he, ' in the 
hour of battle ; but there is one thing I will do — I TV'ill 
pray for you. And there are thousands all over the 
land praying for you this morning, and God will hear 
them. You must now pray, too ; for God is a hearer 
of prayer. And if this is the last time I shall ever 
speak to you, or if these are the last words of Chris- 
tian comfort you will ever hear, I want to tell you, 
dear comrades, that God loves you. I pray God to 
cover your heads to-day in the battle-storm. I pray 
that he may give you brave hearts and strong hands 
to-day. Be brave — ^be manly! Remember the dear 
old flag, and what it covers. And if any of you feel 
uncertain as to your future, look to the Savior who 
died for you ; and, if any of you fall this day in battle, 
may you not only die as brave soldiers for your coun- 
try, but die as soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ ! Let 
us pray.' 

"Instantly every head was uncovered and bowed in 
reverence, while hands were clasped on the rifles, the 
bayonets on which Avere gleaming in the morning sun. 
The flag, pierced and rent on a dozen battlefields, was 
drooped, and, strange but glorious sound on a battle- 
field, the voice of prayer was heard. The blessings 
of the Almighty were invoked upon the army, upon 
the generals, upon regimental officers, on our bleeding 
country, and upon the issues of that day. Loved 
ones at home Avere remembered, and God's blessing 
invoked upon all who might fall in battle. When the 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 291 

chaplain closed, he raised himself in his saddle, waved 
his hat two or three times around his head, exclaim- 
ing, ' God bless you to-day, dear comrades, and make 
you strong and brave ! Strike for Liberty and Union ! 
strike for God and Humanity ! and may our battle- 
torn flag lead to victory this day ! God's presence be 
with you, comrades ! ' 

"Alow, murmuring Amen was heard from the ranks 
as the chaplain closed. Major-General Reynolds and 
staff passed along the lines during the services, but 
halted when they came to the Eleventh. With un- 
covered head, the General rode up close to the regi- 
ment, and remained till the conclusion of the brief 
services. At the moment they were concluded, he ut- 
tered a hearty Amen, which had a thrilling effect. 
Grasping the chaplain's hand and shaking it warmly, 
while a tear glistened on his manly cheek, he was heard 
to exclaim, ' Sir, I am glad I was here to join with you ! ' 
and instantly rode off, followed by his staff. This ac- 
knowledgment of religious principle, on the part of 
General Reynolds, had a very happy effect." . . . 

Scarcely five minutes elapsed till the entire brigade 
moved forward and engaged the enemy. 

When the battle opened on the morning of the 19th, 
the lines extended tiearly three miles, and the fierce, 
fiery conflict raged through valleys and ravines, along 
hill-sides and amid dense forests, over plowed fields 
and dead clearings. 

In many places the battle-lines could be distinguished 
only by dense clouds of dust that rose up in long, red- 
dish lines, and by white, vapory smoke that rolled in 
great clouds through the woods, or rose above the for- 



292 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

est trees, and rolled along the sharp ridges and sweep- 
inix hill-sides. Sometimes, the lonii; lines of dust and 
the -wreathing, rolling smoke from artillery would re- 
cede or advance, be thrown suddenly into sharp angles, 
or formed gradually into swelling curves, indicating 
the ebb and flow of the fearful, mighty tide-wave of 
battle. I had heard the roar of battle at Bull Run, 
had felt the earth quiver under the fierce conflicts of 
South IMountain and Antietam, but the incessant roar 
of artillery and musketry on this terrible day seemed 
to exceed all three battlefields combined. The mus- 
ketry was neither in distinct shots nor in repeated 
volleys, but for hours it was one mighty, fearful, con- 
tinuous roll, which, added to the shouts of the com- 
batants, as they charged to and fro like the surging 
tide-waves on the shore, together with the loud, deep 
booming and crashing of the artillery, seemed more 
like the mighty roar of a dozen Niagaras than any 
thing merely human. 

From all the indications during the forenoon of this 
day, and even till late in the afternoon, it was evident 
that the great struggle Avas for the roads leading into 
Chattanooga. On the preceding evening, the 18th, 
Crittenden was on the left, menaced by the right of 
the rebel army. Bragg was massing his forces at that 
point, so as to crush Crittenden and get possession of 
the roads, and with them Chattanooga. But, during 
the previous night, Thomas had swept his corps past 
Crittenden's rear, and formed on the extreme left, thus 
throwing Crittenden in the center. By this memor- 
able night march, and swift secret movements, ho 
covered all the roads and gaps, so that when Bragg 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARxMY LIFE. 293 

began to move his massed columns, on tlie morning of 
the 19th, he was confronted by the veteran troops of 
Thomas, already in position. Hence the opening of 
the battle so fiercely on the left, and hence the con- 
tinual edging away of the line of battle in that direc- 
tion. Bragg brought up column after column, and 
hurled them in rapid succession, and with reckless 
desperation, against the extreme left. It was Chatta- 
nooga or nothing. About tAvelve o'clock, he hurled a 
massed column on Thomas's right, where Reynolds's 
division was in position, and followed this up by suc- 
cessive attacks at various points till the battle raged 
along the entire line. And thus the conflict was waged 
during the whole day, every evidence being given not 
only of a hotly contested field, but of greatly superior 
numbers being in front of the Union army. 

A Close Place — A Two-forty Gallop. 

While folloAving the regiment, in company with the 
surgeons, a rebel sharp-shooter, concealed in the trees, 
sent a ball whizzing among us — Avhethcr aimed at Dr. 
McCurdy or myself, I do not know; but it passed un- 
comfortably close to my head. An inch or tw©, more 
or less, and these "Lights and Shadows" Avould not 
have troubled any one. It is said that "a miss is as 
good as a mile." It may be so — but if a Minie ball 
misses one's head just by about an inch, the sensation 
produced is not quite as comfortable as if it was a 
mile further ofi'. At this juncture an entire change 
took place in the relative position of the several regi- 
ments. The Eleventh made a sudden movement to 



294 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

the left, and took position in tlic woods. It moved 
again to the right, to reheve a regiment whoso ammu- 
nition was exhausted, and we got so bewiklercd with 
the rapid ehanges going on, that we found it impos- 
sible to find it, or even to follow. Taking another 
direction, toward where the firing was heaviest, we 
were soon made aware of the fact that the rear is not 
always the place of safety. To say that the bullets 
"whistled around us like hail, might seem extravagant, 
but I can compare it to nothing else. The incessant 
roll and rattle and crash were fearful. The peculiar 
hum, whiz, and shriek of rifle-balls, which give one 
the idea of fiery arrows cutting the air, grew louder 
and louder, while the chipping of leaves and twigs 
told better than words can do of the thickly flying mis- 
siles of death. Mj horse gave a plunge and a snort — 
poetic enough in a painting, perhaps, but very start- 
ling and practical just then. Whether a spent ball or 
a piece of gravel throAvn up by the shot struck him or 
not, I do not know; but he gave a jump as if he Avould 
fly from under me, and, but for a military bit, would 
doubtless have become unmanageable. Hitherto he 
had stood fire well — did not seem to pay much atten- 
tion to the artillery or musketry — but at this moment 
he became almost wild. It was little wonder. There 
was a strange suro-ino; to and fro of the combatants, 
while the rattle of musketry and the explosions of ar- 
tillery made the very earth tremble. AVhat with the 
noise of battle in front, and the noise of rushing troops 
coming up behind, it was enough to bewilder and try 
the nerves of either man or horse. In a few minutes 
there was that advancing, wavy sound that tells of 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 295 

movements the wrong way ! Our troops Avere being 
driven! The surgeons became somewhat bcwihicrcd, 
and rode almost at right angles to the line of fire, and 
toward the point of greatest danger. Giving one 
glance at what seemed the only outlet, I gave my 
horse an unusually vigorous touch with the spur, by 
way of bringing him to his senses, and, holding a tight 
rein, dashed out on the open field. There was a deep 
ditch and a rail fence right ahead. Could my noble 
gray leap both? Leap he must, or break his own 
neck, and mine, too, perhaps. He nerved himself for 
the leap, cleared the ditch handsomely — a few more 
steps, and he bounded over the fence like a deer. 
Then came the trying moment. The enemy had par- 
tially broken our lines, and came tearing down like 
demons, sweeping the open field with grape and can- 
ister, and, as I rode through it, it was plowed up by 
the shot, which, as it fell, threw up clouds of dust. 
By the protecting care of a merciful God we passed 
through the fiery ordeal unscathed; but nothing else 
than his Almighty arm saved us. Some of our men, 
who saw the whole affair, expressed their wonder at 
the escape, and made free to insinuate, by way of 
friendly advice, that the chaplain had better "keep 
out of the muss." 

The whole thing seemed to occupy but a moment, 
so rapid were the changes. But it was a critical mo- 
ment. The balance seemed poised. Our lines had 
been partially broken by the massing of the enemy's 
troops, and they were following up their advantage by 
a deadly and destructive fire. But regiment after 
regiment of our brave boys rushed forward, with loud 



296 LIGHTS AND SIIABOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

cheers and streaming banners, toward tlie broacli, and, 
in a short time, sent the foe reeling back. As I write 
these lines, I can hardly imagine the fact mentioned to 
have been any thing like a living reality — an actual 
occurrence — but rather some wild dream, the remem- 
brance of which still haunts me. 

Turchin's Brigade. 

Meanwhile our entire brigade, under the gallant 
Turchin, was hotly engaged. The Thirty-sixth and 
Ninety-second Ohio were on the left, as well as the 
Eighteenth Kentucky. The Eleventh was on the 
right. The rebel force was so sheltered by dense 
woods that they could make attacks almost with im- 
punity; as they had their sharp-shooters, armed with 
long-range rifles, posted in the trees, they picked off 
both officers and men with great rapidity. Tlic Elev- 
enth lay for some time exposed to the galling fire 
of rebel skirmishers and sharp-shooters, till at last 
they could stand it no longer, and begged permission 
to clear the woods with the bayonet. Colonel Lane 
finally gave the order, when the men sprang forward 
Avith a cheer, and charged upon the rebels as they lay 
under cover of the woods, driving them half a mile, 
and capturing, at the same time, a number of pris- 
oners. In this charge the color-bearer. Sergeant 
Peck, was wounded. His brother, Lieutenant Peck, 
instantlv seized the colors, and led the line in the 
most gallant manner. In a short time the rebels at- 
tempted to drive in the right of the division, but, by 
a briUiant movement, they were again driven back at 



LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 297 

the point of tlie bayonet. In this charge, Colonel 
Jones, of the Thirty-sixth Ohio, was killed, and Colonel 
Fearing, of the Ninety-second, and Major Adney, of 
the Thirty-sixth Ohio, severely Avounded. Another 
attempt was made to break our lines just about 
dark, but the enemy failed to gain any advantage, al- 
though the attacks were made by greatly superior 
numl^ers. 

And so the day of battle wore on, till the shadows 
of evening began to fall upon the wooded slopes and 
deep ravines of Chickamauga and Mission Kidge, re- 
vealing, in more startling vividness, the sharp flash 
of the musket, and the dull, red glare of the cannon. 
Thousands of the good and brave and noble had fallen, 
and were bleeding, fainting, dying, on that field of fierce, 
fiery strife. Human bosoms had been bared to the 
incessant storm of shot and shell that had been howl- 
ing and crashing from early morn till the shadows of 
night hid the combatants from each other! Many a 
noble-hearted boy, upon whose head a mother's hand 
had been placed in blessing, as she gave him up, trem- 
blingly and tearfully, for her country and humanity, 
had fallen that day, whose last thoughts of earth Avere 
of mother and home, and whose last whisper, let us 
hope, was a whisper of Christ and heaven. Many a 
loving husband and father, as he lay there, mangled 
and dying, thought of dear wife and children, and 
home, sweet home, and mingled their names with that 
of the Savior as he closed his eyes in death ! But, 
alas! alas! painful thoughts crowd upon the mind 
when contemplating the sad scenes of the battlefield, 
and the (|ucstion arises — How numy went into that 



298 LIGUTS AND SHADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

conflict tliouglitless and godless — without the peace 
and joy of salvation or the hopes of heaven ? Alas ! 
the answer to such a question is one Avhich is painful 
in the extreme to him who looks upon human destiny 
in the light of revealed truth, and in reference to the 
eternity of moral character. 

Night on the Field. 

Night, chilly and disagreeable, drew on apace, and 
the dark shadows came down alike on friend and foe. 
The wounded were taken to the rear as rapidly as 
possible, and during the entire night lanterns glim- 
mered over the field, showing where the work of re- 
lieving suff'erers was going on, while, at the same time, 
the train of ambulances was kept going to and fro, 
continually. As I walked among the wounded and 
dying, trying to relieve where relief was available, 
and comfort the dying Avhere death was inevitable,'! 
felt unutterably sad. The confusion, dust, and noise, 
the trampling of horses, the rumbling of heavy artil- 
lery, the groaning of the wounded and dying, the 
camp-fires burning dimly, all made a scene never to 
be forgotten. It was a bleak, cold night. The poor 
sufl'ercrs, as they lay covered with dust and blood, 
shivered in the cold night-wind which swept over the 
field, and my very heart ached for many of the poor 
fellows, who shook as if in an ague fit, while having 
their wounds dressed. Many of them were so chilled 
with the cold wind, and from loss of blood, that their 
teeth rattled against the tin cups from which they 
drank the warm cofibe with which they were supplied. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 299 

The liospital arrangements were somewhat imperfect, 
so far as supplies Avere concerned ; and bhmkets or 
coverings of any kind (aside from what some of the 
men had themselves), could not be found to cover the 
cold and bleeding soldiers. As the night advanced, 
large fires Avere kindled at every field hospital, warm 
tea and cofiee prepared, and every one made as com- 
fortable as possible under the circumstances. When 
I had worked as long as it was possible to do, and ex- 
hausted nature could stand it no longer, I lay down 
myself to rest, surrounded by the groaning wounded 
and by the silent dead ! I passed a night of misery. 
Cold and w^eary, as I had never been before, crushed 
in spirit by the terrible scenes of wounding and death 
among Avhich I had moved that day, and by which I 
was yet surrounded, no covering with which to keep 
warm, nor a quiet place in which to rest, I could only 
think of the thousands and tens of thousands who Avere 
in agony all around me, and I thanked God fervently 
for the blessings and mercies of the day ; and, taking 
some precious texts as the best of pillows for a Avcary 
head and aching heart, fell asleep. 

Sabbath at Chickamauga. 

An anxious council of war was held at "Widow 
Glen's " house on Saturday night. " Each corps com- 
mander reported that every brigade had been in that 
day's fight, that the troops had acted finely; but all 
agreed that, in every severe attack made upon us, Ave 
had been invariably outnumbered. It Avas plain that 
the next day's contest must be for the preservation of 



800 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

the army, and the holding of Chattanooga." ^'- The 
general plan adopted for the second day's battle was 
read to the assembled corps commanders, and the 
orders connected therewith were issued to the army 
at one o'clock on Sabbath morning. At early dawn, 
General llosecrans rode along the front, inspecting the 
lines and so disposing of the troops as to resist the 
combined efforts that would be made to destroy the 
Union army. Second only to this, Bragg's great aim 
was to gain Chattanooga. 

The Sabbath's sun finally shone out clear and beauti- 
ful above the smoke that lay like a pall over the valley. 
It was expected the enemy Avould attack as soon as 
day dawned, but, with the exception of occasional 
picket firing, it was eight o'clock before the battle 
was renewed. The conflict of the day opened, as was 
expected, on the extreme left, and the determination 
of the rebels to overwhelm Thomas, who was holding 
the approaches to Chattanooga, Avas soon apparent, for 
they hurled their massed columns against him with the 
greatest fury and desperation. During the night, our 
troops had thrown up temporary breastworks of logs 
and stones, and, as they kept behind these, or lay on 
the ground, rising up only to pour their volleys into 
the attacking columns, the rebel loss was very great. 
By ten o'clock, the fierce roar of battle was at its 
hight, and the conflict raged with terrible fury along 
the whole lines, but on the left and left center the 
contest was the fiercest and most determined. Long- 
street's men, as they came up in solid columns, flushed 

-Rosccrans's Report. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 301 

with the liope of crushing the Western troops, would 
exultingly shout, "We are not conscripts!" to which 
the reply was given: 

" You are not fighting Eastern store-clerks." 

"We are Longstreet's troops!" shouted some of 
them, in front of the Eleventh and Thirty-sixth — to 
which our men replied, with a derisive yell : 

" Who drove you at South Mountain ? We are the 
boys that drove you there, and we '11 do it again ! " 

At about midday, matters were so serious on the 
left and center, that division after division had to be 
sent to succor Thomas, Avho was contending against 
fearful odds. Indeed, the army at large, in order to 
meet the massed columns of the enemy, which were 
being rapidly concentrated against Thomas, had to be 
continually closed up on the left. It was during one 
of those movements that a mistake occurred which 
came nigh resulting in the ruin of the Union army. 
" Orders were dispatched," says Rosecrans, in his clear 
report, " to General Wood to close up on Reynolds, and 
Avord was sent to General Thomas that he should be 
supported, even if it took away the whole corps of 
Crittenden and McCook." General Wood, overlook- 
ing the orders to close up on General Reynolds, passed 
to the rear of General Brannan, who was somewhat in 
the rear of Reynolds, which left a gap in the battle 
line between Thomas and McCook. The right flank 
of Reynolds's division was thus exposed, as Avas, also, 
McCook's left. Through this open gap the rebels 
poured Avith deafening cheers, carrying all before them. 
The writer Avas close by at the time this scene oc- 
curred, and, assuredly, it looked forbidding enough. 



302 LIGHTS AXD SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

The first intimation that Reynohls had of the state of 
affairs, was a destructive cross-iire from the right, and, 
finally, sohd shot and shell from the rear. All seemed 
to be lost ; for the enemy, taking advantage of the gap 
made in the battle-front, had not only crushed Crit- 
tenden, and swept back the few brigades that were sent 
in to stay the torrent of disaster, but they were mass- 
ing in the rear of Reynolds. The entire corps held its 
own bravely, but it could hardly be expected to con- 
tinue to do so for any length of time, for the whole 
rebel army was now hurled fiercely and exultantly 
against it. Prompt, fearless, decided action was now 
necessary, or disaster would be inevitable. The am- 
munition and supply-trains were exposed, two of the 
gaps in the ridge were open to the Chattanooga road, 
on which our trains were now moving, and the rebel 
torrent must be stayed, at whatever cost, Reynolds 
was ordered to disperse the force massing in the rear. 
Their artillery was already in position, and was rapidly 
thinning our ranks. The sharp-shooters in the trees 
were picking oft" our men Avith impunity, insomuch 
that nearly one half of Company D, of the Eleventh, 
were killed or wounded in the space of half an hour. 
General Turchin's brigade, consisting of the Eleventh, 
Thirty-sixth, and Xinty-second Ohio, and Eighteenth 
Kentucky, Avas formed for a charge on the massed 
forces in the rear, the infiuitry and cavalry of Avhich 
could be distinctly seen advancing. The order Avas 
given to march by the rear rank — ''about face" — and 
the brigade, starting on the double-quick, was hurled 
in a bayonet-charge against the enemy Avith almost as 
much precision and order as if it had been on dres3 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OV ARMY LIFE. 303 

parade, and all this, too, while the very air seemed d;ii-k- 
cned with the missiles of death, the ground shaking as 
if in the throes of an earthquake from the incessant 
roar and crash of artillery and the rolling rattle of 
musketry. As Colonel Lane remarked, it seemed as if 
the explosions "raised the hats off our heads." The 
concussion of the air was painful, the noise so deafening 
that orders could not be heard, and the smoke and dust 
in such dense clouds that objects at a distance could 
hardly be seen. General Reynolds, waving his sword, 
led the charge in person. Calm, reverent, and happy 
as a Christian, he joined us in our devotions on the 
morning the battle opened. A tear of religious emo- 
tion trickled down his weather-beaten cheek, while a 
fervent Amen ! that thrilled every heart, burst from 
his- lips, and now, bravely as a Christian soldier, he led 
his troops in that desperate charge — the most despe- 
rate made on that bloody field. On the left and front 
and rear the enemy was in massed line of battle; but 
away went the Ohio boys, charging bayonet back on 
the massed columns of the enemy, Avhich had closed 
around them. Onwnrd they rushed, like a resistless 
wave of gleaming steel, cheering and yelling as they 
charged on the dense masses of traitors Avho hoped 
to stay them. Their charge was irresistible — so 
thought the rebels — as onward and onward they 
rushed through one line of battle, a second, a third, 
and a part of a fourth, till they pierced the entire bat- 
tle-line of seven deep, brought off a number of prison- 
ers, charged on two batteries on their way out, brought 
off one gun, and gained a position on Mission Kidge. 
But the work was not yet accomplished. In the 



304 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LITE. 

terrible noise, and amid the smoke and dust, orders 
could not be heard, and, before reaching one of the 
spurs of Mission Ridge, the brigade got divided — one 
part following Turchin on the left, and the other Rey- 
nolds on the right, neither party being aware of the 
fate of the other. On coming to a halt, the party 
under Reynolds, comprising portions of the Eleventh, 
Thivth-sixth, and Ninety-second Ohio Regiments, was 
re-formed, and measures taken to reach the main body 
of the army. On marching forward — it was now nearly 
dusk — the junction of Ringgold and Rossville roads 
was reached. There was, at this point, a dense forest 
of heavy timber, rendered still more dense by a heavy 
undergrowth, which rendered any further movement 
very critical. General Reynolds, accompanied by two 
orderlies, went forward himself and reconnoitered the 
ground. He discovered a heavy force of the enemy 
in position there, and any further progress in that di- 
rection had to be abandoned. This portion of the 
brigade was marched back a little distance, to a log- 
house, which had been used as a hospital, and General 
Reynolds and Colonel Lane held a consultation, the 
result of which was, that it was thought better to 
halt a short time there and wait further developments. 
While performing the movements indicated, artillery 
had been frequently firing upon our brigade from the 
left, and it was thought that these being rebel guns, we 
were still surrounded. 

The smoke was hanging heavily over the valley, 
and now the shades of evening were drawing on, and 
distant objects were getting more and more obscured. 
Presently, amid the rifted smoke, and away on a higher 



/ 

LIGHTS AND SUADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 305 

ridge, a flag is seen streaming in the -wintl, but its 
color can liardly be made out. A man is seen cau- 
tiously approaching, gun in hand. He is one of our 
men ; for his uniform, although dusty and soiled, is 
" Union blue." 

"Whose lines arc those?" 

" Ours ! " is the welcome answer, which makes a 
hundred hearts leap with joy and pride. 

In a few minutes the weary but dauntless band reach 
the outer picket-line, and there, clear, beautiful, glori- 
ous in the evening breeze, and amid the smoke and 
dust, floats the dear old flag ! Here is the rest of the 
division, thought to have been captured ! Cheer after 
cheer goes up, in welcome to the smaller band just 
come in, and who were also thought to have been either 
killed or captured. What a hearty shaking of hands ! 
What a trickling of joyous tears over weather-beaten, 
powder-stained cheeks ! What expressions of joy and 
gladness burst from manly bosoms! 0, that was a 
moment and those were scenes that will never be for- 
gotten! 

Here were Granger's troops, that had come up to 
stay the rebel torrent, and prevent the enemy from 
overwhelming Thomas's right. The lines were ao;ain 
formed, Thomas presented an unbroken and defiant 
front, McCook and Crittenden had swept around be- 
tween Mission Ridge and Lookout — McCook's troops, 
or part of them, had been thrown across the narrow 
valley to protect our trains sweeping around into 
Chattanooga — signal rockets were going up through 
and above the heavy clouds of smoke and dust, the 
last gun from Granger's batteries growled a fiercely 
26 



806 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

defiant salute, and night — silent, solemn niglit — came 
down upon that battle-swept field, on which were ly- 
ing twenty thousand bleeding men ! 

And so ended the battle of Chickamauga. 

The rebel army had possession of the field, they 
largely outnumbered the Union forces, they fought 
upon ground of their own choosing, they had the ad- 
vantage of a serious mistake on the part of a division 
commander, but, to all intents and purposes, they lost 
the objects for which they fought so desperately — the 
destruction of the Army of the Cumberland, and the 
possession of Chattanooga, Neither of these they 
gained; for Thomas, Avith his veteran troops, held the 
rebels in check, and, like a lion at bay, fought them, 
without giving an inch, till, on the Tuesday'' following, 
he fell back to the rest of the army, to an iiitrcnched 
position around Chattanooga. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

WILDEr's BEIGADE and LONGSTREEt's veterans WAR IS TERRI- 
BLE HAPPY MEETINGS AFTER THE BATTLE. 

Wilder's Brigade — A Terrible Scene. 

Wilder's mounted brigade was stationed in a strip 
of woods near to the open field spoken of in a former 
chapter, and which will be ever fresh in the writer's 
memory as a scene of personal exposure and deliv- 
erance on that fearful battlefield. At the time when 
the line was temporarily broken, Longstreet's men 
were seen tearing along through this open field, yelp- 
ing and yelling — it was always easy to distinguish the 
loud, prolonged cheer of the Union boys from the 
short, sharp yelp of the rebels — as they came up in 
solid column. Wilder threw volley after volley into 
tbeir very faces, which was continued without interrup- 
tion — his men being armed with the Spencer rifle, or 
seven-shooter. He also opened his battery upon 
them, every gun being double-shotted with deadly 
canister and grape. The eifect was terrific. The 
head of the massed column wavered and fell like the 
grass before the mower's scythe, and seemed to melt 
away or sink into the ground. The reader may form 
an idea of the fearful slaughter, when it is stated that, 

(307) 



308 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

although the columns kej^t moving on across the open 
field, those in front being pushed on by those behind, 
yet the head of the constantly advancing column came 
no nearer. It seemed to dwindle, us if the breath of 
the destroying angel continually swept it away ! 

Across the field ran a deep ditch or gully about five 
feet wide, and toward this the rebels rushed as a ready 
means for protection from the incessant storm of bul- 
lets and canister that drove remorselessly into their 
very faces, and which would form, also, a rifle-pit, from 
"which they might, with more safety, return the fire. 
In a few minutes this deep ditch was crowded full, 
and from it began to come sheets of flame and 
showers of lead. Quicker than it can be described 
in writing, Wilder wheeled two pieces of artillery, 
double-shotted with the deadly canister, to the mouth 
or entrance of the ditch, and poured volley after volley 
along its entire length. The missiles of death swept 
through the struggling mass from end to end. The 
efiect of this was terrible ! Comparatively few — it has 
been said not more than a dozen — escaped from that 
slaughter-pen alive. 

A rebel sergeant, who, with his entire relief-squad 
of a dozen men, came into our lines, stated, as a well- 
known fact, that Longstrcct took into battle on Sat- 
urday twenty-five thousand men, and came out on 
Sundny with eleven thousand. This shows how greatly 
the rebels suffered. 

Nothing but the majesty of law, the necessity of 
defending righteous government from the assaults of 
traitors, and the securing of God-honored and God- 
honoring peace to ourselves and posterity, as well as 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 309 

freeing our land from the foul misrule of slavery — 
nothing hut these could ever reconcile any humane 
heart to such fearful scenes of wholesale destruction 
and death. 

Happy Meetings. 

None but those in the army know how thrillingly 
tender, yet manly and noble, are the meetings of com- 
rades after a battle. Some have fallen, to rise no 
more till the judgment of the Great Day. Some are 
wounded; others are missing. I will never forget the 
impressive meeting of the survivors of the Eleventh, 
after those two days of terrible fighting. It had been 
reported that the chaplain was captured. This came 
twice being pretty near the truth. It was also stated 
that he had been seen on the field wounded — his face 
bleeding. This last was true, but not serious enough 
for even this hint. It may just be added that the 
colonel and chaplain had quite a happy reunion ; for 
each had been informed of the other's being killed or 
captured on Sabbath evening, and, of course, they were 
rejoiced to meet each other again, through God's bless- 
ing, safe and sound. And the brave men — dearer to 
me, seemingly, than ever — for whose safety I could only 
pray while they fought for home and liberty on that 
dread field, grasped my hand, as they clustered round 
me, with a fervor that could not be mistaken. And 
with what quiet, enthusiastic earnestness the men 
spoke of the noble manner in which they had been led 
by their brave and skillful commander, and how that 
he had earned a soldier's name and a patriot's honor 
during those two terrible days ! And I make this rec- 



310 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

ord here, and now, of the great gratification it afforded 
me to hear such eulogies from those who had nothing 
to gain or lose by making them. They were sponta- 
neous, earnest expressions of confidence in one whom 
they had learned to esteem and honor — the opinions 
they had formed of one who had not only shown 
himself an unswerving patriot, but had done all he 
could to promote the moral and religious welfare of 
the regiment. And such expressions were mutual. 
Members of the different companies spoke of their 
company officers With the highest admn-ation, while 
company commanders did the same of their men. 
Very frequently did Colonel Lane make reference, in 
the warmest terms of commendation, to the heroic con- 
duct of every man in the regiment. Lieutenant-col- 
onel Street, a brave and efficient officer, was too ill 
to be on the field; but, although scarcely able to sit 
up, he made his way to the front on Wednesday. He 
had to return, however, being too feeble for duty. Col- 
onel Lane spoke frequently, also, of the cool bravery of 
Major Higgins, and of the daring deeds performed by 
several of the commissioned officers. To hear such 
expressions of mutual respect and esteem from those 
who had stood side by side in the fierce conflict, was 
both gratifying and impressive. 

Frightened and False Correspondents. 

Nothing so much surprised and chagrined the army 
who fought so nobly at Chickamauga, as the glaringly 
false statements, made by some army correspondents, 
to the effect that Rosecrans was defeated. The sin- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 311 

ner above all sinners, in this particular, was the swift- 
footed, evil-omened correspondent of the Neiv York 
Herald. At the time when the lines were broken, and 
the effort was made to concentrate on Chattanooga, 
there was, as might be expected, not only confusion, 
but even somewhat of a panic, among those of the 
troops belonging to Crittenden and McCook that had 
been so badly crushed by the solid rebel columns pour- 
ing in on the right of Reynolds, and there was also a 
great panic among some of the teamsters. This was 
of very short duration, however, for the various trains 
were got into good order, and conducted rapidly to- 
ward Chattanooga. As the whole aspect of a battle- 
field may change in a few minutes, causing corre- 
sponding changes in the disposition of the immense 
and valuable wagon-trains of an army, it will be seen 
at once that, where prompt, energetic, and rapid move- 
ments are necessary, among some seven or eight hun- 
dred wagons and three or four hundred ambulances, 
it is the easiest thing in the world to get up a panic. 
The fact that the immense trains Avere in some danger 
of being captured, when the lines were broken, and 
the no less important fact that rapid movements of 
troops might be prevented by their being in the way, 
called for quick Avork on the part of all connected with 
them. Of course, at the first it was a rush and crush 
and jam — a helter-skelter race, as if each teamster 
was a " Tarn o' Shanter," with a witch, or the de'il 
himself — horns and hoofs and all — hanging on by the 
tail of each individual mule. This state of things 
lasted about an hour, and might have led to serious 
results, but one of General Rosecrans's aids rode up 



312 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

to a teamster, and, dra-wing his revolver, ordered liim 
to stop, or he woukl shoot him as dead as a herring. 
This brought the stampede to a close, and in a short 
time the entire mass was moving as orderly, though 
not as quietly, as a procession of Quakers. 

But, on seeing the first advance of the retreating 
•teamsters, it seems that the Herald's correspondent 
hastened away from the rear — not the field proper, 
for no one on the field, unless very badly frightened, 
could have written such dispatches — composed, as they 
were, of mingled truth and error, misrepresentation and 
contradiction — as he did for the edification and especial 
delight of hungry Copperheads and lynx-eyed specu- 
lators — away he hastened and telegraphed that Rose- 
crans was virtually defeated, and, in a word, that 
every thing had gone to " smash," even the govern- 
ment dispatches, for they "were, in the main, totally 
false!" Such Avere the doleful tidings that this panic- 
stricken, swift-footed correspondent telegraphed to 
New York, taking care, in the mean time, to have his 
efiusions published simultaneously in the Louisville 
and Cincinnati papers ! He got his news of disaster 
and defeat from a dozen or two frightened teamsters, 
perhaps a few negroes, who were probably as demented 
as himself, and possibly from those who were cut off" 
from their commands. But even this was enough for 
a willing messenger of evil tidings. Elections were 
comincf ofi" — Vallandifi-hamers in Ohio were somewhat 
crest-fallen, Copperheadism had evidently gone down 
in the political market, the Peace-at-any-price men 
were getting out of date, the pro-slavery philippics 
of the Herald and World were getting considerably 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 313 

neutralized by the logic of events; and, as dying men 
are said to grasp at straws, this correspondent, with 
feverish eagerness, grasped at the disaster on the 
right — not knowing or caring to know that the heroic 
Thomas was holding the rebels at bay — and kindly 
offered it as a life-buoy to save the sinking wreck of 
Copperhead treason. 

I will just state here that, although I was engaged 
attending to the wounded on that part of the field 
where our lines were broken, and where there was the 
greatest apparent panic, I acknowledge that there was 
nothing to give any countenance to the terribly gloomy 
picture drawn by this army correspondent. True, I 
came pretty near paying dearly for my temerity in 
remaining so long at that point. I had left but a few 
minutes, when that part of the field was swept by the 
left wing of the rebel army, and it was only after I 
had crossed a ravine that I saw the rapid change that 
had taken place, for I was scarcely inside our own 
lines. Several surgeons Avere taken prisoners at this 
point, and quite a number of the wounded fell into 
the hands of the enemy; but there were no such ter- 
rible things as represented by the correspondent in 
question. 

God's Providence in the Battle of Chickamauga. 

If ever there was a time when the Almighty Ruler 
of earth and heaven manifested his providential deal- 
ings on the field of battle, that time was Sabbath, the 
20th of September, when the slaveholding Confed- 
eracy hurled nearly its whole military strength on the 
27 



ol4 LIO.UTS AND Sll.VnOWS OF ARMY LIFK. 

Anny of tho Ounibovlaml, and mailo iW most ilospc- 
rato of oiVorts to orusli it at one Mow. That tlio plan 
of the vobol loaJors Avas so to mass tluMv troops in 
ovorwholiuin^ numbers, and strike Kosecrans before 
he eouUl either contract his lines or reeeive reinforce- 
ments, and, by mere force of numbers, either annihihito 
liis army or compel him to surrender, is too obvious 
now for any one to doubt. If the Lord had not fa- 
vored the cause of Truth and Freedom at that tiu\e, 
Inunanly speaking, Kosecrans's army Avould have been 
so seriously eri[>pled, if not destroyed, as to have 
made that eampaiun but one i:;rand disaster. The 
greater }>art of Lee's army, under Longstreet and 
Hill, together with the fragments of l\Mnberton"s 
A icksbnrg army, under <lohnston, Huckner's troops, 
from East Tennessee, and thousands of the prisoners 
paroled by Grant, were all brought together to rein- 
force Lragg, so as to make the battle of Sabbath de- 
cisive. The intention was to rei\der failure an imjios- 
sibility. l>ut, although Kosecrans's slender battle-lines 
had to receive the shock of columns of regiments and 
brigades, and, in some iustanees, even of Avhole divi- 
sions, and so continuous and terrible were the onsets 
that defeat seemed inevitable, yet, essentially, the little 
army of Freedom's champions was victorious — victori- 
ous to a degree that struck terror still deeper into the 
hearts of the rebels. It is not necessary to repeat 
here what has already become history ; but there is 
one item of history not generally known. ^Vhen it is 
considered what an immensely superior force Bragg 
liad to hurl against the Union army, it is a matter of 
"wonder why he did not open the battle at an earlier 



LIOIITS AND SIIADOVrH OF ATIMY IJFK. .315 

hour on Sabbath morning. AH expected the attack 
to commence by daylight; but hour after hour elapsed 
before he moved, and it was nea)]y nine o'clock before 
the battle fairly opened. Why was this? Major-Gen- 
eral IJishop Polk, wlio was in command of tlie extreme 
rebel right, was ordered to attack our extreme left at 
daylight on Sabbath morning. Before giving tlic or- 
ders to move, he discovered that his troops were not 
in a proper position, and that, through some mistake, 
a whole division overlapped the battle-line, and that, if 
the battle opened, that entire dhmion must be inevita- 
bly slaughtered. It took several hours for the rebels 
to rectify this mistake, but they were precious hours 
for the Union army. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

WAR 19 DREADFUL — BRIGHTER DAYS FOR OUR NATION AND THE 
WORLD — slavery's CURSE. 

Do YOU say, clear reader, that war is dreadful? It 
is dreadful ; so much so that no humane heart can love 
it for its own sake. And it is not a pleasant task to 
write about war, especially to those who have seen it 
in all its grim, ghastly realities. As I have been 
penning these few simple sketches of army scenes 
and incidents, it has often been with very sad and 
solemn feelings. Especially has this been the case 
when writing abput the battles themselves, and the 
scenes connected with them. It was with no love for 
war'^ dark records that this work was undertaken ; 
neither was it from a love of describing the sad scenes 
of the battlefield. Other, and it is humbly hoped 
higher, motives have prevailed in the sketching of 
these Lights and Shadows of Army Life. 

It is rather a sad task than otherwise to write about 
Avhat one has seen of suffering and death. It is enough 
for me that I have seen the stern, the fearfully stern 
visage of War ; that while with steady hand, perhaps, 
but with throbbing heart, I have bound up the torn 
and mangled limbs of the f\illen brave, or spoken of 
Christ and salvation to those whose eyes were grow- 
(31G) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 317 

ing dim in death ; it is enough that I have been amid 
the horrid crash and rush and roar of battle, as the 
gleaming columns surged to and fro like the angry 
waves of ocean — it is enough for me, without attempt- 
ing to portray the whole on paper, or enter into minute 
details which properly belong to the historian ! Rather, 
much rather, would I try to paint any stray sunbeam 
of hope and comfort, Christ and heaven, which may 
have glimmered forth from amid the dark and angry 
clouds, and hghted up, here and there, with the light 
of Christian hope and joy, some sad and gloomy 
scene of bivouac and battle! And yet, I would by 
no means have it understood that I have looked upon 
the battlefield, Avith all its tragic accompaniments and 
consequences, with the eye of a mere sentimentahst, 
or Avith the feelings of one Avho only hears the cry of 
the patient, instead of seeing the deeply-seated cancer 
which the surgeon's knife is removing. We ought to 
look upon every American battlefield as the arena on 
which — not men, but ideas ; not physical forces' but 
great moral principles — have been, and still are, con- 
tending for supremacy. AYe ought to realize that, be- 
yond and above the angry clouds, and the lurid light- 
nings, and the ghastly features of the mere material 
scenery, the eye of faith can behold the bow of peace 
spanning the heavens of a redeemed and sanctified 
country — a country' redeemed from the withering 
curse of human bondage, and sanctified by the blood 
of Freedom's martyrs. But, with all of this to nerve 
the hand and strengthen the heart, I envy not the feel- 
ings of that man Avho can behold, Avith stolid indiffer- 
ence or philosophic calmness, the dread carnage of 



318 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARxMY LIFE. 

the battlefield. The bursting shell scatters death and 
destruction just as surely, and the solid shot and 
grape and canister sweep the ranks of living men into 
one great livid mass of quivering, mangled hvimanitj 
just as remorselessly, and the saber and bayonet cut 
and thrust just as keenly and mortally, in a holy as in 
an unholy cause. It is war ; and war is dreadful, 
view it as we may. But, 0, if God himself, as the 
great and righteous Ruler of the Universe, is bringing 
about a great and glorious revolution in our suffering 
country, and in the world at large, by which the tide- 
wave of human progress, human liberty, and human 
happiness shall roll onward with majestic SAveep, and 
carry upon its bosom blessings to every shore, and the 
peaceful banner of the Cross shall be unfurled in every 
land, and wars and tumults shall forever cease, then 
we can feel that our national tribulation has not been 
in vain, and that a nation's heroes have not bled and 
died for nought ! 



Dark Scenes — Nameless Crimes. 

Man may commit crimes that man dare not describe ; 
and society may become so corrupt that only an in- 
spired pen may safely expose and reprove its moral 
hideousness. There may be such a state of morals 
existing in communities, that it may even be " a shame 
to speak of those things which are done of them in 
secret." Sometimes very salutary lessons may be 
gained by simply looking at the sad wrecks of hu- 
manity Avhich cluster around the purlieus of vice, while 
it might be morally dangerous to enter such dens of 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 319 

iniquity, and explore their dark, mysterious chambers 
of vice, which are reeking with moral foulness, and 
which pour out on society the virus of physical and 
moral leprosy. 

A statement of the fearful results of what the fash- 
ionable world calls " an intrigue — an affair of the 
heart" — but which the law of God denounces in plain, 
unmistakable language, and threatens with fearful 
penalties, may have a decidedly good effect, while to 
open the secret chambers and expose the sensual im- 
agery of the libertine would be pernicious in the ex- 
treme. For these reasons, and for others, the history 
of slavery will never be written ; its dai-kest pictures 
will never be painted ; its more fearful and hideous se- 
crets will never be revealed. Not only is it utterly im- 
possible to describe slavery as it is, but, perhaps, it is 
wise not to make the attempt. A better reason could 
not be given than that contained in the remark made 
by Lieutenant McAbee to a couple of slaveholding la- 
dies. With much hauteur of manner, mock delicacy, 
and seeming surprise at the ignorance and audacity 
of a Federal officer daring to speak against the pet 
institution of rebeldom, one of them said : 

" It is only because of your low Yankee breeding 
and ignorance of Southern institutions, that you talk 
against slavery. You have given a number of reasons 
for denouncing what you don't know any thing about. 
Have you nothing better to say?" 

" Madam," said the lieutenant, who had been most 
polite but firm in his remarks, "Madam, the one other 
great reason I ■would urge against slavery is one which 
no gentleman will name in the presence of ladies — one 



820 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

wliich every Southern lady of true womanly feeling 
should blush to think of; but which she must know 
is part of the institution itself, and which has under- 
mined domestic honor, purity, and peace. My respect 
for woman forbids me saying more." 

The shaft Avent home. The ladies blushed, then 
grew pale, and blushed again. A hint was enough; 
they felt it was too true, and they instantly dropped 
the subject. 

Wesley's definition of slavery is at once brief, truth- 
ful, and expressive ; it requires no addition, it can not 
he improved : " The sum of all villainies." There, 
you have it in a nutshell. 

As a mere matter of policy, the slaveholding oli- 
garchy of the South could not have done a more fool- 
ish act than to rebel against the Federal Government. 
It is as if a band of assassins, robbers, counterfeiters, 
and swindlers were to throw open the doors of their 
secret dens, and, with insolent sneer, invite the world to 
walk in, with lighted torch, and scrutinize every nook 
and corner, examine every blood-stained weapon of 
death and every implement of robbery, and drag forth 
into the light of day such evidences of crime as would 
excite at once the wonder and loathing of all coming 
ages. 

The Cliurch of Christ, assuredly, fell fearfully in the 
snare of Satan when she took to her bosom, and pro- 
tected by the broad shield of her good name, the 
slave-owner whose merchandise was slaves and souls of 
men ! Away with all cant about Christian slavehold- 
ers ! Christian slaveholders ! As avcII talk about honest 
thieves, benevolent murderers, loyal traitors, and pious 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 821 

devils. The one is no more absurd and self-contra- 
dictory than the other ; and had it not been for a 
time-serving ministry, corrupt political platforms, and 
a venal press, the absurdity would never have been 
palmed on the Christian world as a Bible truth. 

One good result of this war, however, is, that like 
a mighty plowshare, it has been driving remorselessly 
into and under the very foundations of slavery, and 
laying bare its ramifications of unheard-of and inde- 
scribable wickedness, its fiendish malignity, its lust and 
brutality, that the world might see the vile system as 
it is, and execrate it as it deserves. The work is not 
accomplished yet; it is but fairly commenced — scarcely 
more. But if the few furrows already turned up have 
made such revelations of the substratum, what will be 
the sum total when the whole field of Southern soci- 
ety, with its habits, customs, plans, and purposes, shall 
be plowed up and laid bare ? What fearful revela- 
tions will then be made ! How dark the records of 
crime that will then be exposed to the gaze of an 
astonished world ! What a ghastly caricature of civ- 
ilization, refinement, and religion will then be uncov- 
ered! And until a complete overturning of Southern 
society is accomplished, and a full revelation of the 
mysteries of its habits and customs are made, the his- 
tory of this rebellion, in the full sense of the term, 
can not be written. Until then such efforts are com- 
paratively premature. The keenest observers can not 
see clearly ; the profoundcst thinkers arc waiting for 
more light. Not only must the smoke of battle be 
cleared away, the passions of conflicting interests be 
subdued, and the bias of political opinion be corrected; 



822 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

but from the dark and secret chambers of rebeldom 
itself must be dragged forth the fearful records of 
fraud, falsehood, perjury, and treason, ■which for long 
years have been Ojccumulating, and which will form 
the blackest page of history the world has ever read. 
The plowshare must be driven deeper yet, the entire 
social system of the South overturned and exposed; 
then, and not till then, may the historian seize his 
pen for a full and complete history of the " Great Re- 
bellion." 

Impenitence 

In my efforts to minister to the physical wants 
of the suffering, I came to a rebel soldier mortally 
w^ounded. His countenance wore that ashy pallor 
peculiar to those who are wounded in the bowels. 
He was shivering with cold and loss of blood. His 
garments were soaking wet, but with that humanity 
which I am proud to record concerning our army, a 
heavy, double United States blanket was thrown over 
him, 

"Would you like something to eat?" I said to him — 
" a warm drink, such as a little beef soup or hot cof- 
fee?" 

"I would like something warm to drink," said he, 
shivering as he spoke, "for I am cold." 

I brought some nice hot coffee to him, but, after 
taking a sip or two, he declined it, saying he was very 
sick, and in much pain. I asked where his home was. 
He replied, " In Pike County, Georgia," After exam- 
ining his Avound, I told him, as kindly as possible, that 
there was little or no hope of his recovery, and that 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 323 

it v/as liis duty to look to God in this the hour of his 
extremity. Notwithstanding I tried to be as kind and 
soothing as possible, he seemed to resist my well-meant 
endeavors in behalf of his spiritual state. To my state- 
ment that he could not possibly live but for a short 
time — that even now he was dying, and that I spoke to 
him not as an enemy to insult him, but as a friend to 
warn him — he replied, " He would not die, but if he 
did, he reckoned 'twould be all right." Dying as he 
"was, he seemed to take special pains to show his 
hatred. He ordered me, in a surly manner, to place 
some water near him — it was all he wanted. I got a 
cup of water, drew the blanket closer around him, and 
asked if I could do any thing more for him, but he 
only answered me with a growl, and treated me much 
as he might have done a dog. Near him lay two other 
"wounded rebel soldiers, on-e of whom was too Aveak to 
say much, but the other spoke kindly, but reprovingly, 
to his dying comrade. Every thing I did for them 
they accepted kindly, and expressed their thankfulness 
in a Avay not to be misunderstood. One of them — the 
"weakest — in answer to my inquiry as to whether he 
"would not wish something to eat, replied "He was 
very cold, and would be glad of some hot coffee." On 
presenting it to him, his looks, more than his words, 
told his surprise and gratitude. 

And here I wish to record a fact against all the ma- 
licious reports and complaints of rebels in arms, as 
well as their sympathizers everywhere, that, during all 
my experiences on the battlefield and in the hospital, 
both East and South-west — in the Army of the Po- 
tomac, in the Kanawha Valley, and in the Army of the 



824 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Cumberland — I have never seen or known a single 
wounded rebel soldier insulted or injured after falling 
into the hands of the Union soldiers. I noticed but 
one instance where a rebel prisoner was insulted — at 
least he thought so. It Avas on the Saturday of the 
Chickamauga battle, and was on this wise: 

Close by a little clump of bushes, and sheltered from 
the missiles thrown by their own army, were clustered 
a few rebel prisoners. Among them was a short, 
dumpy fellow, Avhose physiognomy was d 'cidedly Hi- 
bernian. Even his gray uniform and unkempt hair 
coidd not make him one of the chivalry. 

"Whose division do you belong to," asked our sur- 
geon, as we passed the group. 

" Faith an' I belong to Gineral Johnston's divasion — 
an' he's a gintlcman, too." 

"What part of Ireland are you from?' 

"Bedad, an' I came from Tipperary, so I did." 

"How long since?" 

"I left owld Ireland in April — yes" — scratching his 
head — " faith, an' I can hardly tell yez." 

"What are you fighting against the United States 
Government for?" demanded the doctor, getting a lit- 
tle emphatic. 

"Why, an' to be sure, aint I fighting for liberty? 
Haven't the Yankees been staling the nagurs, an' 
haven't — '' 

"Confound you, you Irish renegade! You can't 
get potatoes and salt herring enough in your own 
country to keep you from starvation, and a lot of you 
Catholic hounds — of course you're a Catholic — growl 
about your oppressions in Ireland, and come over 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE, 325 

here to fight for slavery ! Confound you ! the meanest 
negro in the South is better than you are ! Shucks ! 
I can stand a Southern rebel, but an Irish renejxade 
and a home traitor would make a preacher swear. 
Wouldn't it, chaplain?" 

The doctor's own Irish was up, for he had first 
seen the light of day somewhere between Bantry Bay 
and Inneshone — was an ardent Presbyterian of the 
Scotch school, and, like Luther, had a standing grudge 
against the Pope and the Devil. 

"In de Cane-brake, dar." 

A day or two after crossing Lookout Mountain, 
our division encamped, or rather bivouacked, on a 
rebel slaveholder's plantation. It was well stocked, 
apparently, with every thing necessary for a Georgia 
planter's ease and comfort, including slaves, black and 
white. There were immense fields of corn in a beau- 
tiful valley, sweet potatoes and yams in abundance, 
which tasted most deliciously when varied with hard- 
tack, as ^ve can testify. The corn was excellent for 
succotash — so thought the soldiers, as they luxuriated 
in that celebrated dish. The corn was good for army 
mules, too, as, no doubt, they thought — that is to say, 
if mules do think. Shortly after we were fairly en- 
camped, a stalwart negro came within the regimental 
lines, and seemed much interested in " Massa Liukum's 
sogers." 

"Look yc'ah, boss," said he, bringing the words 
seemingly from the bottom of some empty hogshead, 
"look ye'ah — want ter know Avhar massa's mules are 



326 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

gone? Massa dun' no nuffin 'bout 'em, when sogers 
obcr dar — but I know ! Massa says day is clar done 
gone ter ou7' army; but I know whar dey clar done 
gone. Dey is in de cane-brake 'way obcr dar, an' I'se 
sot on gAvine dar wid you, ef you want 'em. Mighty 
peart mules, boss! Golly, won't ole massa swar when 
de mules clar done gone ter Linkum's army! But 
say, boss, dar's a sick woman — she's one of dem poor 
whites — chil'en sick, too; she 'most dyin'. 'Pears like 
'twould be better she ivould die; she's a poor critter, 
boss — a poor critter — she came from ober Sand — her 
ole man 'scripted inter secesh army ! Wall, yer see 
dat ar patch ob corn ober dar? Dat b'longs ter dat 
poor woman — she 's worked an' worked ! Whew, how 
dat ar critter's worked on dat patch ob corn! Now, 
boss, 'pears like ef it would be mighty bad ter tech 
dat ar corn. Take massa's corn an' de mules, too, 
down in de cane-brake, but 'member dat ar poor crit- 
ter. She lives in dat cabin ober dar." 

By a somewhat circuitous route " de cane-brake ober 
dar " was reached, and a fine lot of sleek mules were 
confiscated to Massa Linkum. Not a single blade of 
the poor woman's corn was touched; but if the lordly 
slaveholder gleaned a few bushels on his immense 
plantation after our army foragers had passed over 
it, it was merely accidental. It may just be added 
that Dr. McCurdy and myself visited this poor family 
whose cause had been so ably pleaded by the noble- 
hearted negro, and we saw a scene of such abject 
poverty and misery that no language could do it jus- 
tice. As a tribute to the humanity and benevolence 
of the Union soldiers, let me state here that, during 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 327 

the fifteen or twenty minutes Ave remained there, at 
least a dozen came in Avith coffee, sugar, bread, and 
salt — all out of their own rations — and before next 
morning enough was sent from our commissary to 
keep the family a month. The soldiers, whenever they 
killed beef, invariably sent a piece to the poor, pinched, 
poverty-stricken children. The Union soldier has no 
conscientious scruples in regard to slaveholders and 
their property. He has benevolent feelings, however, 
toward the poor, and scorns to touch the little property 
of the helpless and needy, and is ever ready to share 
the contents of his haversack with the destitute and 
afflicted. 

Before we moved forward, the surgeon sent some 
medicines for the sick woman, and a few delicacies 
from our hospital supplies. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

INCIDENTS ON THE FIELD THE OLD FLAG YET INDIVIDUAL FEEL- 

INOS AND EXPERIENCES THE ARMY AT CHATTANOOGA YANKEE 

DASH AND ENERGY BROWN's FERRY 

An Affecting Sight — "The Old Flag Yet." 

On Satui'day, while our regiment was charging np 
a hill, an incident occurred which, for tragic pathos, 
has seldom been surpassed. At the foot of a tree, and 
among a large number of the dead and wounded of 
both armies, lay, or rather reclined against the tree, a 
wounded man in rebel uniform. He was seen to wave 
his hat as the regiment advanced, and it so happened 
that, as he lay in the direction of the center of the 
regiment, he was opposite our colors, which were float- 
ing in the breeze. As our regiment came up to where 
he lay, he shouted, feebly : 

"Hurrah for the old flag yet! — the old flag yet!" 

He was seen to be severely if not mortally wounded; 
his garments were soaked with blood, his face covered 
•with dust, and his lips dry and parched. 

"Hurrah for the old flag yet!" he again feebly 
shouted, and, as if by an instinctive impulse, Lieuten- 
ant Peck, who, at that moment, was carrying the flag, 
drooped it over the dying man, and as its battle-worn 
(328) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 329 

stripes and stars flashed before hira, he muttered 
again : 

" The old flag yet ! the old flag yet ! " 
lie grasped its silken folds, for a moment, as it 
swept over him ; his lips were seen to move, but his 
words could not be heard. A sad, melancholy smile 
lit up his pale and haggard face, and, exhausted with 
the eff"ort, he sank down, perhaps never to^rise again. 
It was the work of a moment — one of the rapidly- 
shifting scenes in the horrid drama of war — but it was 
a scene never to be forgotten. 

Individual Feelings and Experiences. 

Through the kindness of the Rev. W. M. Cheever, 
of Troy, Ohio, the following letter was put into the 
author's hands. It was written by a brave, worthy 
young man, who was a member of Mr. Cheever's 
Church, and an officer in the Eleventh Ohio Regiment. 
It is inserted here for the purpose of showing what 
reliarious faith can do in the hour of dan";er and 
death. 

"CiiATTAXOOGA, Texx., Octohcr 7, 18G3. 
"Rev. W. M. Cheever: 

'■'Dear Sir — After a long interval that has elapsed since I 
last wrote, I again address you a few lines, that you may 
know that I have not entirely forgotten you, and to tell you 
of God's providence to me during the late battles. Although, 
perhaps, by this late date, you have become tired of listening 
to the many and varied and conflicting reports that have 
reached you, through the press and otherwise, yet there is 
mucb that transpires, through the long and tedious hours of 
the contest, that ' history and the world never know,' and 

28 



ooO LWIITS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

which is only known and t'olt by iiulividuals who take part in 
the engagoniont. 

"On the evening of Friday, Soiitomber 18, jui^t as the sun liad 
sunk behind the liills, our brigade was ordered on the march. 
To one accustomed to watch tlie movements of an army, the 
circumstances connected with this movement would have told 
what was in prospect; yet every one seemed cheerful, and 
appeared, apparently, unconscious and indilVerent in regard to 
what the morrow might bring tbrth. A soldier never antici- 
pates danger until near at hand. However, night and dark- 
ness soon enveloped our division within its murky folds, and 
the dust and smoke from burning fences thickened the atmos- 
phere around us. These, together with a chilling wind, and 
the utter want of water, rendered our sufferings very severe. 
Yet we toiled on, step after step, until the gray of morn light- 
ened the eastern horizon, when we came to a staiul-still. The 
men, overcome with fatigue, sat down on the road, and were 
soon fast asleep. Stretched at full length in the dust, with a 
fence-rail or a stone for a pillow, we slept sweetly. An hour 
and a half thus passed, and the road was once more cleared. 
The command, 'Fall in I ' brought the men again to their 
feet, and we moved forward feeling somewhat refreshed from 
oursleep. Every one began now to feel that we were nearing 
^ ha/lowcd (jround.' Many long columns could be seen wind- 
ing over hills, through woods and meadows, tilling every road, 
as far as the eye could reach. At nine o'clock we halted in a 
field, that the. men might shake the dust from their clothes 
and enjoy a moment's rest, as that was all that could be done, 
under the circumstances. Not a drop of water could be pro- 
cured either to quench our thirst or bathe our faces, so we re- 
solved to reconcile ourselves to the same fare for breakfast 
tliat we IkkI for suj^per — that is, wait until tlie next uieal. 
"While iiahed here, we were warned by the thunder of a can- 
non that the 'ball' ha<l ojieneil for certain. Al'ter sending 
a detail, with the canteens, in search of water, we were soon ou 
the march for the field of action. In a few minutes, we were 
fornu^d in the edge of a wood, close by the battle-line, awaiting 
orders as to which part of the line we were to occupy. Here we 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 331 

could distinctly hear the incepsant roar of small armfl, and the 
deep booming of artillery, that told too well how fiercely the 
enemy contested our advance. Being halted a moment, oni 
brave and worthy chaplain, W. W. Lyle, rode to the front of 
our regiment, and s|>okc a few words of encouragement and 
cheer, tliat sent a thrill of joy and comfort vibrating through 
every heart, and which nerved and strengthened many a noble 
lad, whose cheek there paled at the thought of the conflict, to 
stand the shock in the fiercest of the fight, as the records of 
that hard-fought field will show. Never did I witness a scene 
more impressive than the services of that morning before going 
into action. Our regiment was drawn up in 'double columns, 
companies closeil in mass;' our old colors, which had been 
through several Vjattles, were unfurled to the Ijreeze, and waved 
over the heads of a phalanx of tried men. Silence reigned in 
our ranks. Every one seemed to commune with his own heart — 
perhaps thinking of home and friends. 

"As I looked down the line of faces, I could see firmness 
and determination depicted on each countenance. As our eyes 
met in silence, we could read each other's thoughts, and gather 
courage from their glance. While the chaplain lifted up his 
voice in prayer, a thousand heads bowed in reverence, and a 
thousand hearts mentally offered up an anxious and earnest 
appeal to their God for his guidance through the ordeal that 
awaited them. At a time like this, man thinks in earnest, not 
in jest. fTcneral Reynolds, our brave and gallant commander, 
happened to be present, and, after Brother Lyle closed the serv- 
ices, he roile up to him, and, with a tear in his eye, grasped 
his hand and shook it warmly. That hearty grasp of the hand 
and that earnest look expressed more there than tongue could 
tell. 

"That scene, so simple but so sacred, so full of all that 
can move the heart, was often referred to during the battle. 
That a major-general, while busy posting his troops, and while 
the battle is already raging, should be seen pausing, for a mo- 
ment, beside a portion of his troops engaged in prayer, joining 
with them himself, being so deeply affected as to shed a manly. 
Christian tear — shaking hands with the chaplain who led the 



332 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

dovotioiis, thus ni-knowloilii'm;:; hi>^ own n'lijrious^ {MMiicijiles he- 
lore the men lie wtis ahout to k\'ul in battle — hml an otloet that 
may he imagined, hut can not he described. We always had 
conlidence in the cool bravery of General Keynolds, but we had 
more at that moment than ever before. We would have fol- 
lowed him anywhere. But now we are otl' to the front to fight, 
and the chaplain, a.-^ usual, to care for our wounded. But a 
few moments, and we are mixed n\\ midst the noise and con- 
fusion, 'the hurrying to and tro,' with the horrid din that is 
usually found behind a battle-line. Passing through, we reach 
the front, form quickly into position, and advance, under fire of 
the enemy, to the assistance of our friends, and arc just in time 
to save a regiment that has run out of ammunition. We pass 
over them, and can see the long lines of rebels advancing slowly 
and steadily, and, by this time, pouring a destructive lire into 
our ranks. ' Forward — DouBMi-QuicK— Charok bayoxkt! was 
shouted, w-hen oft" darted the old Eleventh, with our battle-worn 
colors Hung to the breeze. A ' Hurrah!' was shouted by hun- 
dreds of voices, that made the woods around us ring, and 
curdled the blood in the enemy's veins. The glittering steel 
was too much — it had its etlect. The enemy wavers — they 
break, they run like sheep — they try to rally again, but fly as 
before! Dismay and terror seize them. Many fall by the un- 
erring aim of our rilles — a complete rout ensues — the tiekl is 
ours, and another star is added to our battle-tlag! New- lines 
are immediately formed, and the enemy appears again upon our 
front and left, more desperate than before. Again they are 
driven by the bayonet, and a second victory is won. So closed 
the day with us of Saturday's tight. Fresh troops are brought 
forward, and we retire, worn completely out. The water that 
was sent for in the morning comes up at this late Imur, and is 
seized by famished men, ami used with moderation in making 
coft'ee. This, together with a cracker, roasted or parched on a 
stick, formed the basis of our first meal in nearly thirty-six 
hours. God has, however, protected and favored us much. 
Only a score wounded and one killed from out our regiment! 
O, what fortitude God gave me in this hour to bear up under 
the fatigues and hardships of that night, with the prospects of 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 8C3 

a renewal of the terrible scenes in the morning! But, thank- 
ing him, with my whole hearty for his favors of to-day, and 
knowing in whom to trust on the morrow, I laid down on the 
liattlc-ground to rest my weary liniljH — to sleep and dream — not 
of War, but of JIojik. Saturday night jiassed as has many 
otlier niglits of bivouac, and Sabbath morning came, at last, 
bright and glorious. Yes, the holy Sabbath came — but not 
with its cheering Sabbath bells — not with its happy rest and 
sacred privileges — but with scenes of horror, fields of carnage 
and blood ; with the thunder of war, the groans of the wounded 
and dying, and witii all that could be heaped in a day of fierce, 
deadly conflict! Buoyed up by the excitement, we again face 
tlie enemy — hold our position under a shower of Minie balls, 
grape, and canister. Many of our brave boys fall, yet we stand 
firm through the long and weary hours that pass so slowly. 
Our left and right are driven back time after time, until, finally, 
our flanks are entirely exposed ; but we still hold our ground. 
T.ate in the afternoon, when we are surrounded, cut off, orders 
reach us, ^ Cut tltroujh or surrender I' We re-form, in a new 
position, while the enemy close in on all sides. The order is 
given by General Reynolds to move by the rear rank, and the 
startling words ring out, above the noise of battle, ' Fokwaku — 
Double-quick — March ! Charge bayonet ! ' Our men are fall- 
ing at every step. Grape and canister are rained upon us — the 
very air seems black. ' Forward, 't is life or death ! Forward I 
forward ! ' is the cry. The enemy give way before us. We 
are soon up to them. They cry for mercy, or attempt to es- 
cape, but we cut them down before us, and they give way in 
utter rout. 'Forward! forward!' driving them still, until we 
jass line after line, and we see our own men, and tlie Stars and 
Stripes, through the smoke and dust, to our left, and we bear 
off toward them. We are soon under the protection of their 
guns; and, with three hundred prisoners we have captured dur- 
ing our terrible dash through the rebel battle-lines, night thus 
closed our last great effort in the battle of Chickamauga. Our 
casualities are heavy ; yet, through all this, God has spared our 
regiment very remarkably in comparison with others. O, how 
my heart goes out to llim, in humble gratitude, for bringing 



334 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

me safely througli the terrors of this dreadful day without the 
slightest injury I . . . 

" Yours, for God and our country, A. L. C." 



The Army at Chattanooga — An Adroit Move- 
ment. 

Altliougli occupying -wliat might be called an im- 
pregnable position, the Army of the Cumberland, as it 
lay at Chattanooga immediately after the battle of 
Chickamauga, was by no means in an enviable con- 
dition. Chattanooga is situated in a bend of the Ten- 
nessee River, and the army lay in intrenched positions 
across this bend, both flanks resting on the river — the 
left above, and the right below the town. The right 
flank rested on the Chattanooga Creek, near the base 
of Lookout Mountain, and where it empties into the 
Tennessee. The left rested on the Citico, above the 
city. The rebels held Lookout Mountain and Mission 
Ridge — their left resting on the Tennessee River, and 
their right on the ridge. They held all on the south 
side of the river, from Lookout to Bridgeport, and not 
only had possession of all the roads on that side of the 
river, but their sharp-shooters commanded the road on 
the north side also. 

We had the gratification of watching the rebel engi- 
neers at work, day after day, busy constructing their 
works on both mountains, but especially on the north- 
eastern face of Lookout. When they endeavored to 
push their works a little too close to Chattanooga 
Creek, our rifled thirty-two-pounders usually gave 
them a hint that we did not wish to cultivate any closer 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 335 

acquaintance. We had several strong works erected 
on our front, all of which were connected by a heavy 
line of rifle-pits, in addition to which were continuous 
lines of earth-works still further in front. The bulk 
of the array lay within these intrenchments, while 
strong picket-lines were maintained outside. The po- 
sition was the strongest possible, while the facilities 
for still further adding to its strength were unlimited. 
There were not the slightest fears, therefore, so far as 
the mere holding of the place was concerned, if the 
army could only be supplied. This was the most 
serious feature of the whole, and caused the greatest 
anxiety in the army. If supplies could be thrown into 
Chattanooga, the Army of the Cumberland could defy 
the whole Confederacy. Toward the close of Octo- 
ber, however, matters began to assume a very serious 
aspect so far as supplies were concerned. It was evi- 
dent that a crisis was at hand, and something must be 
done to avert impending difficulties of the most serious 
nature. 

The base of supplies was at Bridgeport and Steven- 
son, but the rebels had possession of the roads on the 
south side of the river, while their sharp-shooters com- 
manded the road on the north side leading to Bridge- 
port, so that no supplies could be brought from below 
on cither road. The supply-trains, therefore, had to 
be brought from Bridgeport round by way of Jasper 
and Dunlap, in the Sequatchie Valley, and over a steep, 
rugged pass of the Cumberland Mountains, a distance 
of sixty miles. By this time, heavy rains had set in, 
and the mountain streams, especially the Sequatchie, 
Averc swollen to such an extent as to impede the prog- 



336 LIGHTS AXD SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

ress of tlie immense trains necessary to supply tlie 
army. Mules and artillery horses had been taken to 
the north side of the river, and sent into the dilVerent 
valleys, for sixty or seventy miles, in search of forage, 
Avhilo others had to die of starvation. The roads wer6 
getting impassable, trains -wore delayed, and the rations 
Avere becoming so rcduood that the men -wore beginning 
to sufler from hunger. A single instance may be given 
by way of illustration. The Eleventh, as well as other 
regiments, vrentout one day on picket duty Avith empty 
haversacks. They liad had no supper the previous 
evening; had no breakfast before going on duty; Avero 
on picket outside the intrenchments twenty-four hours, 
and came in again, and still nothing for breakfast. 
Under such circumstances, it Avas absolutely necessary 
to open the river as far down as possible, by driving 
the rebels from the north and west of Lookout. 

There were two pontoon bridges thrown across the 
river, one at Chattanooga, the other a short distance 
below. The rebels attempted frequently to destroy 
these bridges by cutting logs and heavy timber, lash- 
ing them together, and setting them adrift from above, 
which, coming down on the swift current, would break 
the pontoons from their anchorage, and injure the 
bridges. Of course considerable timber, and even 
pontoons, would occasionally float down past the rebels 
at Lookout Point, the sight of which always gave them 
satisfaction. Frequently the rebels sent down in this 
manner very fine saw-logs, not many of wliioh ever 
got further than Chattanooga. A short distance above 
the pontoons, a heavy boom was thrown across the 
river, and a detail from the pioneer corps was made to 



LinilTS AND SHADOWS OP AKMY IJFR. 337 

Rocure all tlio timber floated down, and which, of course, 
lod;^ed against the boom. ^J'here were several saw- 
mills on the river bank, and they were kept busy at 
■work sawin;^ those very logs into planks suitable for 
boat-building purposes. 

Under cover of the steep banks and bluffs, so as to 
be concealed from the rebel signal-corjis, were sol- 
dier-mechanics, industriously at work building pon- 
toons, making oars and boat-hooks, and fitting planks 
and string-pieces for bridges. Some houses were dis- 
mantled, the boards, rafters, and joists taken to the 
river bank, and, in a short time, a large number of 
pontoon-boats and barges, built from timber so con- 
veniently furnished by the rebels themselves, were 
launched into the Tennessee Itiver. One moonlight 
night, just hazy enough on the river to render objects 
at a distance somewhat indistinct, troops from Baird's 
and Reynolds's divisions were embarked in the pon- 
toons, and, at a given signal, the whole were silently 
floated down the river. The oars, which were used 
just enough to make steerage-way, Avere muffled with 
pieces of tents and blankets. The men crouched as 
closely together as possible in the bottom of the pon- 
toons, and carefully covered their muskets, lest they 
miffht be seen gleaming in the moonbeams. Orders 
were given that the utmost quietness must be main- 
tained; no speaking above a whisper was to be allowed, 
and every man was to be ready for any emergency. 

As it was necessary to run the fleet of pontoons, as 
much as possible, in the shadow of the woods and blufls, 
they had to be floated close by the south bank, and, 
of course, under the very noses of Bragg's pickets. 
29 



838 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

As they floated past Lookout Point, our men could 
hear the rebel pickets talking to each other, and taking 
considerable comfort from the evidences they saw, in- 
distinctly, on the river, of another break in the Yankee 
pontoon bridges. 

"Why, Tom, look ye thar! Blamed ef that aint a 
pontoon ! " 

"Whar, Bill? Whar?" 

" Why, don 't yer see ? Thar, in that streak o' dark 
under the bluff thar." 

"Wall, now, so it is, by thunder! Come har, you 
'uns back thar, and see another break. liar goes an- 
other Yankee pontoon bridge." 

"Wall, now, ef it aint so. Bill! Reckon it'll take 
the Y'anks a right smart chance o' work ter keep thar 
bridges goin' at that ar rate." 

" Look ye ! Look ye thar, Bill — ef it aint so arter 
all. Thar goes another — an' another ! " 

"Reckon we have 'em now, Jim; the Yanks can't 
git out of that ar pen up thar. Whew ! look ye thar, 
boys — thar goes another. Golly! What's up with 
our 'uns above ? They 've smashed Rosecrans's bridges 
this time, sartain." And so on. 

On reaching Brown's Ferry, which is about eight 
miles below Chattanooga, the pontoons glided close 
to the southern bank — out sprang our soldiers and 
made for the pickets, when a scene occurred at once 
ludicrous and exciting. As the boats landed, and 
our soldiers leaped out, amid the dark shadows of 
the hills and woods, the rebel pickets, who had been 
jesting about the broken bridge, were heard, if not 
seen, laughing from the other side of their faces. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AHMY LIFE. 339 

"Gollj! Jim, them's Yanks! Look ye thar — right 
thar!" 

''Whar, Tom? Whar?" 

"Why, don't ycr see? Thar's another lot of 'era 
landed doAvn thar. The Yanks have played us a trick, 
by thunder!" 

"Don't get skeered, Jim, them aint Yanks." 

" Them is Yanks. Can't I see ?" 

"Who goes thar? Halt!" 

Bang, whiz. 

" Sergeant of the guard ! " 

Bang, bang, whiz. 

" The Yanks are on us. Bill, sartin ! " 

" Surrender ! " yelled our men, as they closed in on 
them, and abruptly stopped their dispute. 

The rebel pickets were captured or killed, A strong 
skirmish-line was instantly thrown out; a detail made to 
throw up temporary breastworks; the pontoons were 
taken to the north side of the river to bring over an- 
other force that had marched down from Chattanooga 
across the peninsula on that side; and, in a short time, 
the rebels were driven back into the valley and up 
the spurs of Lookout. Meanwhile, a strong pioneer 
force was at Avork constructing a pontoon bridge some 
nine hundred feet long — a feat which •\vas accomplished 
in six hours. Next day, Hooker, with a large force, 
crossed to the south side of the river, at Bridgeport, 
marched up as speedily as possible, and, on the after- 
noon of the second day, united with the force at Brown's 
Ferry. 

By this adroit movement, the details of which had 
been executed so brilliantly and successfully, the roads 



340 LIGHTS AND SnADOV.S OF ARMY LIFE. 

were opened on both sides of the river. The rebels 
still held the point of Lookout, but could accomplish 
nothine; after our forces had trained a foothold on the 
south side of the river. Not only •were the roads se- 
cured, but the river, also, was cleared from Bridgeport 
to Brown's Fei*ry, and communications with the base 
of supplies fully established. A steamboat had been 
loaded with supplies at Bridgeport, in anticipation of 
this movement, and, in the course of a day or two, her 
•whistle awoke the echoes of Lookout, as she steamed 
up to Brown's Ferry, with two hundred thousand ra- 
tions for the hungry heroes of Chattanooga. 

This movement was not only one of great import- 
ance, so far as establishing communications with Bridge- 
port were concerned, but it took the rebels so much 
by surprise that they had neither time nor opportunity 
to destroy any portion of the railroad before being 
driven back. In order to make the position as secure 
as possible, earthworks were thrown up by our forces, 
and the woods cleared oif in front of the lines for a 
considerable distance. The rebel army Avas in such 
a pecuhar position that Bragg could not extend or 
strengthen this part of his line without exposing his 
center, and he had to yield to the necessity of the case, 
and let our forces have undisturbed possession. It was 
the first step, however, in that brilliant strategy that 
resulted in hurling Bragg from his intrenched posi- 
tions on Lookout and Mission Ridge, and sent him 
reeling and demoralized to the fastnesses beyond Tay- 
lor's Ridge, and, finally, to — it is hard now to tell 
where. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

SECRETS OF THE DOMESTIC INSTITUTION WHITE SLAVES AN INCI- 
DENT ON LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN NEW APPLICATION OF SCRIPTUUE. 

If, in the providence of God, war is absolutely 
necessary for the purification and redemption of a 
people, how fearfully foul and degraded must that peo- 
ple be! And if only the stern rebukes of the sword 
can reach the hearts and consciences of those whose 
civilization and religion have been set forth as being 
of the highest order and purest character, and whose 
claims to be considered as the truest and fullest ex- 
ponents and examples of intelligence, refinement, and 
piety, have been openly and continually insisted upon 
in Church and State, how false must have been their 
professions, and how arrogant and absurd their claims! 
And yet, every day in Avhich this war has been carried 
on has only been making new and additional discov- 
eries of the fearfully low state of morals and religion 
in the slaveholding Confederacy, and has been prov- 
ing how hollow and pretentious have been the claims 
of lordly mcn-stealers to be considered as the only 
true embodiments of intelligence and refinement in the 
country. A few years ago, and but a few, the masses 
of Northern people were led to believe that Southern 
society was of the highest possible type ; that, as was 

(341) 



842 LICillTS AND SlIADOAVS OF AKJIV LIFE. 

to be expected among <i higli-sprung, chivalrous peo- 
ple, "whose keen sense of honor had become proverb- 
ial, there might be, occasionally, an unhappy quarrel, 
resulting, perhaps, in the use of the knife or revolver ; 
that there might be even a Lcgrce found, once in a 
"'•reat "while, "whose rough, angular exterior neither god- 
ly bishops, nor learned divinity doctors, nor the "whole 
brotherhood of saintly pro-slavery preachers could 
smooth down suiliciently to retain the gilding of Cos- 
pel sanctity >vitl\ "which they labored hard to adorn 
him ; but that these "were mere exceptions to a gen- 
eral rule — only rough specimens of common clay acci- 
dentally found among the precious ingots of pure gold. 
But Avho, to-day, has temerity enough to stand forth 
and boldly reiterate such falsehoods? Who, among 
all the apologists of slavery in former days, Avould 
dare risk any little reputation for honesty or truth 
they may ever have possessed, by trying to shield the 
vile institution? AVere they to escape the charge of 
falsehood and corruption, it "would only be because 
they "were looked upon as candidates for a lunatic 
asylum. Even now, one of the greatest curiosities in 
theological and ethical literature is Bishop Hopkins's 
Yolumiuous and shamelessly "wicked argument in de- 
fense of slavery and slaveholding rebels. In future 
years, his bitterest enemies "will not find a surer 
method of sending down his character to posterity, 
blasted and blackened suiliciently to satisfy the deepest 
hate, than by simply engraving on his tombstone his 
own defense of human bondage. 

Berhaps the reader will hardly accuse me of depart- 
ing from an anti-slavery faith, when I say that the 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 343 

whites have sufTcred more, proportionately, at the hands 
of slavery than the blacks. They have suiTered more, 
inasmuch as they had greater privileges and powers, 
and if they did fall, their fall was all the deeper, and 
their degradation all the greater. 

The poor whites of the South — " the white trash," 
as they are generally called — a poor, degraded, igno- 
rant, thriftless people, who are at once the objects of 
the slaveholder's hate,and the ready tools with which 
to work his schemes of villainy — hear unmistakable 
evidence of the crushing, grinding effects of slavery 
on the poor non-slaveholding whites, while the every- 
day evidences of the bleaching process on the colored 
race testify to the fearful immoralities of slaveliolders 
themselves. The unbridled lust; the open, unblush- 
ing profligacy; the utter "confusion" wrought in all 
domestic sanctities, duties, and relationships, and all 
the nameless crimes incident to the rearing of human 
cattle for the slave shambles — all of which are the in- 
evitable and necessary outgrowths of the horrid sys- 
tem — have covered Southern society with the foulest 
of moral ulcers — ulcers so foul and festering that, if 
allowed to vitiate and corrupt another generation. Na- 
ture herself would have taken revenge and spewed the 
adulterous brood out of the land. To converse with 
a Southerner on the subject of slavery — not by way 
of discussion, but to gain information — is to have one's 
self-respect violated, and feelings of manly modesty 
shocked and outraged. No wonder that every effort 
has been made by slaveholders in the South, and their 
abject apologists at the North, to cover up the loath- 
some secrets of the vile system, and conceal from the 



344 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

world its dark and diabolical history. It is well known 
that interested merchants drugged their consciences 
with moral opiates, while blood-stained gold found its 
way to their coffers. Corrupt politicians shamelessly 
sold themselves to slaveholding interests — and to the 
devil, too, for that matter — while gifts and bribes and 
political honors were showered upon them in return. 
Time-serving ministers threw away the keen-edged 
sword of Divine Truth, and, lest they might disturb the 
ease and comfort of their pro-slavery supporters, they 
wielded instead only contemptible pewter weapons, or 
they so garlanded God's sword with the flowers of 
rhetoric and poetry, or turned its keen edge with the 
rough ethics of organic Avrong, that it would not cut. 
They covered up or explained away the handwritings 
of God himself, and brought into their pulpits smooth, 
dreary essays, through which they driveled and plod- 
ded, while those whose gains of oppression were in- 
creasing day by day, listened with easy self-compla- 
cency and comfort. Faithful ministers of the Gospel,^ 
who dared rebuke the evil spirit that had entered the 
high places of the Sanctuary, and spread desolation 
and woe, were mobbed, imprisoned, scourged, banished, 
tarred and feathered, hanged or shot, while reproaches 
and curses were heaped upon their names and char- 
acters. All this, and much more, to prevent agitation, 
and conceal from the gaze of the world the loathsome, 
secret workings of the SUM OF all villainies. But 
what hath God wrought since slaveholders raised their 
bloody hands to strike down Liberty, and make her 
dwelling-place a desolation ! How wondrously He has 
thwarted their wisest plans, and defeated their deepest 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 345 

schemes! He liatli truly caused the ■wrath of man 
to praise Him, while the remainder — the excess — of 
wrath he hath restrained. The very plans of the 
rebels have resulted in the ruin of their pet institu- 
tion; for while the plowshare of Avar has been crash- 
ing through and tearing up the very foundations of 
Southern society, it has also been exposing to the gaze 
of an astonished world the dark chambers in which 
have rioted the foulest passions and the most atrocious 
vices. Those who have been in the army know these 
things ; and they know, furthermore, that such a bap- 
tism of hate against slavery has descended upon the 
army, that every soldier is another Phinehas, to strike 
to the very heart the vile system — strike it till it dies, 
that " the plague may be stayed." 

Even the women of the South, who, above all others, 
must necessarily have felt the keen, burning disgrace 
attaching to the vile institution, and whose womanly del- 
icacy and refinement have been continually and sys- 
tematically outraged, seem to have sunk under the de- 
basing influences of the system, and to have become 
either inured or indiflFerent to its foulest and most re- 
pulsive features. I have known of instances where 
they even seemed to glory in the shame of their own 
social system. 

In Nashville, there was a young staflf officer, who, 
on seeing a beautiful little girl standing on the side- 
walk in front of a house occupied by well-known femi- 
nine rebels, was so struck with her childish beauty and 
gracefulness, that he stooped down and kissed her. 
She was very fair, had bright blue eyes, ruby lips, her 
hair was in pretty wavy ringlets, and she was neatly 



346 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

dressed. A young lady, ■\vlio noticed him kissing tlie 
child, sneeringly remarked: 

"You seem to be very fond of kissing niggers." 
"Good gracious! You don't call that child a nig- 
ger, do you?" 

" Yce, I do. She is only a nigger — nothing else." 
The little girl was absolutely prettier than the 
proud, shameless beauty that gloried in thus calling 
attention to her as only a " nigger, nothing more," and 
"who, unwittingly perhaps, exposed one of the terribly 
foul- and nameless crimes growing out of, and incident 
to, the vile system of slavery. Indeed, it is one of 
the marked features of this " domestic institution," 
that there are many "Avhite niggers," as they are fa- 
cetiously called, and who, like the little girl just men- 
tioned, were it not for the practiced eye of the con- 
noisseur of human merchandise, might pass for white 
men or white Avomen. Why there should be so many 
fair girls, with rich, wavy tresses, or brunettes, with 
dark, sparkling eyes, or blondes, a little too pale, per- 
haps, with blue eyes and thin ruby lips, let those 
answer whose delicacy and moral sensibilities are so 
frequently shocked at the possibility of the negro be- 
ing placed on a level with the white man. Perhaps 
they will inform us whether all these are evidences of 
elevation or degradation, and to which race the honor 
of being elevated, or the disgrace of being debased, 
really belongs. And, perhaps, too, they will explain 
the reason why a Southerner, from whom was gleaned 
considerable information, exclaimed, when speaking of 
these very matters — "Thunder! a man don't know now 
who he is marrying ! " 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

As a fui'ther illustration of the purity of morals, 
high state of civilization, and general piety of slave- 
holding society, the following is inserted, being one of 
a number of similar advertisements taken from the 
Atlanta Intelligencer : 

EUN AWAY— $250 REWARD— From my house in Forsyth 
Street, on night before last, a negro girl, about seventeen 
years old, about medium hight, stout made, weighs 140 pounds; 
color, white; hazel eyes, rather stoop-shouldered ; was raised in 
Clarke County, Georgia. Any person returning the girl to me, or 
giving me such information as I may find her, will obtain the 
above reward. J. K. HEGAN. 

A Woman's Idea of Poor White Children. 

When passing through Trenton Valley, a little inci- 
dent occurred which shows how the poor whites are 
regarded by the lordly slaveholders of rebeldom. By 
way of explanation, it may just be remarked that the 
valley is one of the best for raising fruit — especially 
peaches. The finest specimens I ever saw were gath- 
ered in the few orchards to be found in the valley. 
Peaches weighing from six to eight ounces, sound and 
well-flavored, Avere quite common. 

"You have a very beautiful country, madam," said 
one of our party to a fair daughter of the "sunny 
South." 

"Yes; good enough, I reckon," she replied, some- 
what snappishly, as she eyed the Yankee invaders 
closely. 

"It seems to be a fine fruit country. Why don't 
you have more orchards?" was the next question, put 
as politely as possible. 



348 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

"Orchards!" she exclaimed, disdainfully. "Who 
would plant orchards, when all the fruit is stolen by 
the white trash young 'uns ? " 

"Send the children to school, and educate them as 
you ought to do," said our quarter-master. " If you 
Avould establish Sunday-schools, and teach the 'white 
trash young 'uns,' as you call them, your fruit would 
be safe enough." 

" Do you 'uns think we 'uns are fools ? " she answered 
quickly, while the flashing of her eye, and the hight- 
ening color of her cheeks showed that the Southern 
heart was being fired. 

"Educate the white trash!" she continued; "you 
can't do it — they 're worse than niggers ! " — saying 
which, she nervously shook, not her feet, but her 
drapery, as a testimony against the Northern van- 
dals Avho had dared to insinuate that children, though 
poor, might be educated. 

It was not long after this incident occurred, that 
we had a very graphic illustration, and a very painful 
one, too, of the condition of the poor " white trash 
young 'uns," as this lady called them. 

While crossing Lookout Mountain, the troops were 
employed in getting the artillery and supply-trains up 
the steep ascent. While waiting for this to be ac- 
complished, our attention was called to a miserable 
log-cabin, in Avhich were some half a dozen frowzy, 
tow-headed children — half naked, dirty, and hungry- 
looking. Now, be it remembered, our army was in 
this part of Georgia for the first time; that the coun- 
try had not, as yet, been gleaned by our troops; that 
wealthy planters were all around, and yet here Avcre a 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 349 

woman and several children huddled together in a 
ruinous hut, and in a starving condition. There was 
neither chair, table, nor bedstead — not a single article 
of furniture, nor sign of clothing or bedding, except a 
heap of rags — a miserable pallet — in one corner. Sev- 
eral officers on General Reynolds's staff, as well as the 
General himself, looked into this miserable abode, and 
were appalled at such a scene of wretchedness. Quite 
a number of the private soldiers did the same ; and, all 
honor to their brave and generous hearts, many of 
them emptied their haversacks for the benefit of the 
hungry mother and children 

The eldest of the family was a girl, perhaps eleven 
or twelve years of age, and who, had she been tidy 
and well-dressed, w^ould have been really good-looking. 
One of the officers tried to draw her into conversation, 
with the following result : 

"How old are you, sis?" 

"Dunno," she replied, without raising her head — 
"ax mother, thar; 'spects she knows." 

" Have you attended school ? " he asked. " I sup- 
pose you can read?" 

"No I I've never been to school," she replied, her 
eyes still bent downward, and her fingers twisting the 
fringed rents in the single coarse garment that was 
held together by sundry strings and suspender-but- 
tons. 

" Can you read?" 

"No, I can't read — reckon I might larn — know some 
letters." 

"Did you ever attend Sunday-school or go to 
church?" she was asked. 



350 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

She looked as if she thought these were very pre- 
posterous questions, and answered : 

"Wall, I heern tell something 'bout Sunday-schools 
over Big Sand, thar 'bouts, but dunno nothin' "bout 
'em." 

" Do you know who made you ? " 

"Dunno who made me. Reckon mother, thar, made 
me. Ax her; she knows, I 'spect." 

"What! Do you not know about God, who made 
you and me and all things ? Did no one ever tell you 
about God?" 

" Heern tell something 'bout some 'un they called the 
Lord ; but, laws ! we never saw him. Old Uncle Bill 
sometimes came to whar we lived over Sand, and used 
to talk 'bout sech things. Did yer ever see the Lord? " 

Now, reader, remember, this conversation was held 
with a white girl in the State of Georgia — a part of 
that land where the "peculiar institution" — so long 
and so persistently defended by savage Legrees, pol- 
ished, business-like Haleys, blustering Tom Lokers, 
and sanctimonious, smooth-faced ministers, elders, and 
deacons — has exercised its benign and Christianizintr 
spirit; and where they have boasted of having so 
many powerful revivals that they w^ere nearly as reg- 
ular and plentiful as their "barbacues" and "break- 
downs," and, it might be added, equally as valua- 
ble. Was not this incident a graphic illustration and 
proof of the position occupied by the poor in slave- 
holding society ? And was it not a telling comment 
on the heartless words of the proud Southern lady — 
"Educate the white trash! you can't do it — they're 
worse than niggers?" 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE 351 

A New Application of Scripture. 

For tlie special benefit of my clerical brethren, I 
am tempted to finish this chapter of odds and ends 
with a paragraph or two on exegetical theology. 
The exegesis being of African descent, and not copy- 
righted, any pulpit aspirant may use it, if he choose, 
except the practical application. 

Reuben — " Uncle Reub," as he was familiarly called 
by our camp contrabands — was quite a genius in his 
way. According to his own account, he had been a 
faithful and laborious preacher among his "culled 
bredren," and was a strictly orthodox Baptist of tlie 
Hard-shell persuasion. 

His contempt for any thing outside of immersion, in 
the religious world, was quite edifying, while his gravity 
and earnestness in quoting Scripture, usually wrong 
end foremost, would have graced the gravest of theo- 
logical chairs. In addition to his onerous and self- 
imposed duties as a spiritual guide to his fellow-con- 
trabands, he had charge of the major's horse. The 
major, it may be remarked, in passing, was a quiet 
old wag, and frequently remarked, rather dryly, that 
"Harry would thrive better if treated to less theology 
and more curry-comb." 

It might also be stated that the major was not a 
firm believer in total abstinence, although I never saw 
him drink any thing except from a canteen, which is 
always supposed to contain water. Moreover, al- 
thougli holding ministers in all due respect, he was 
very fond of a joke at their expense. 

One day, the major had a friend from a neighboring 



352 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

regiment pay him a visit, and, having " something," 
invited him to partake. Having something to do in 
the tent, Reub was present long enough, during the 
visitor's stay, to see that a bottle was not far off. After 
the visitor left, Uncle Reub was noticed looking very 
much as a gentleman might be supposed to do who 
felt himself somewhat slighted. Suspecting, from the 
lengthy appearance of Reub's face, as well as the fur- 
tive glances he directed toward the bottle, what was 
wrong, the major said : 

"You never drink any, I suppose, Reuben?" 

" Wall, no, not 'xactly — dat is, major — I dun nebber 
drink when 'mong de gals an' boys. Yer see, major, 
wouldn't nebber do, nohow. I allers like to be 'sist- 
ent wid my perfession, as de good book says. Rut 
de fac' is, major, I dun nebber like 'fuse any thing 
from any gen'lman." 

The major took the hint, and acted accordingly, by 
passing the nearly-empty bottle to Reub. 

Taking it into his hand, with a pleasant, self-satisfied 
smile, he showed his affection for spiritual comforts by 
taking a vigorous pull at its contents. Then he re- 
turned the bottle, with an air of conscious dignity, say- 
ing. 

"Dat's good liquor, major. Yes, sah, dat ar liquor's 
de ginuine stuff." 

" Why, Reub, I never thought you would drink — 
you a preacher!' Preachers don't drink, do they?" 

"Wall, now, major," said Reuben — elevating his eye- 
brows, and placing his fore-fingers together, as if about 
to discuss a profound problem in theology — "yer see, 
as de good book says, we must be 'sistent to our sure 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 353 

calling and 'lection, and as Paul says in de 'pistlo 
Revelations, dat it is not what passes into de mouth 
dat defiles a man, but it is what passes out. Now, 
does yer see de pint, major — does yer see it?." 

"Yes," said the major, dryly, "I see it. Put the 
saddle on Harry." 

Who will say that, with proper culture and polish. 
Uncle Reub might not shine alongside those eminent 
divines Avho have written such learned treatises to 
prove that slavery is in strict accordance with the 
Golden Rule — "Whatsoever ye would that men should 
do to you, do ye even so to them?" 
30 



CHAPTER XXYIII. 

THE DVING soldier's DREAM OF HOME AND CHILDHOOD THE SEN- 
TINEL LIFE A BATTLE THE SPIRITUAL VICTORY. 

"Our friends may fill an early grave, 

Our every hope in life be lost, 
And 'midst the storm the rising wave 

May see our bark 'midst breakers toss'd; 
But Faith can gild the dreary tomb, 

Where early friends in silence sleep; 
And her bright areh can re-illume 

That shore beyond the swelling deep. 

"Faith speaks of m3'riads round the throne. 

Who once were suif'rers here below; 
And shows the path which led them on 

To glory from a scene of woe. 
She speaks of One whom hosts adore, — 

Whom angels worship in the sky; 
'Tis to the Lamb for evermore 

Who once for guilty man did die." 

If "tlic uiulevout astronomer is mad," then the ir- 
reverent or unfeeling visitor of a military hospital is 
more than mad. No one can pass through the wards 
of a hospital, and mingle with the suflercrs there, by 
engaging in conversation with them, ministering to 
their wants, and entering, as it were, into their feel- 
ings, -vYithout becoming either a better or a worse man. 
(354) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 855 

I do not mean that he will become more easily excited 
or overcome by the terrible scenes of human suffering 
that he must necessarily -witness, neither do I mean 
that he Avill become less resolute in his efforts to do 
something toward alleviating distress, even amid all 
that is truly revolting to every tender and humane 
feeling. To become so used to scenes of suffering as 
to be perfectly calm and collected is by no means in- 
compatible with tender feelings ; hence, because a man 
does not exhibit a certain amount of nervousness, or 
give expression to every tender emotion, we are not 
to conclude that he has become so inured to scenes 
of the tragic and horrible as to have all the finer 
feelings blunted, or the more humane sensibilities de- 
stroyed. But we are not to forget, at the same time, 
that constant familiarity with scenes of suffering have 
a tendency either to harden or soften the heart. It 
will make a person either more callous and unfeel- 
ing, or more susceptible of kindly emotions and more 
keenly alive to the necessities, both physical and 
moral, of the sick and wounded. Any one who can 
look with cold indifference on the carnage of a battle- 
field, or the sad and terribly revolting scenes of a hos- 
pital, with all their accompaniments of the tragic and 
pathetic, must be possessed of a very bad heart. On 
the other hand, there is no man, of any pretension to 
true Christian character, who will not be all the better 
for any experiences he may have had in the almost 
every-day scenes of military life. If ever a single 
doubt or fear concerning the divine authority and sav- 
ing power of the religion of Jesus Christ has disturbed 
his peace of mind, or threatened to unsettle his faith 



S56 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

and darken his hope ; if ever he has felt to murmur 
at the dispensations of Providence, or to comphiin at 
"what he has thought to be his hard lot ; if ever he has 
been tempted to look upon his brother man through 
the colored glasses of mere conventionalism, and value 
him just in proportion to his Avealth, rank, or social 
standing ; or if ever he is threatened Avith the foul 
spirit of cold, calculating selfishness, or the distrust- 
ful, cynical demon of misanthropy, let him go to those 
scenes of suffering where every look is agony, and 
every word a groan or a prayer, and he will depart a 
wiser and a better man. 

If it were only for the benefit of my youthful read- 
ers — God's rich blessing rest upon each of them ! — I 
would like to describe one of the many sad but im- 
pressive and interesting scenes I have witnessed among 
the wounded on the battlefield and in the hospital. 
At one time, I was called to witness the following, 
which I will call " The Dying Soldier's Dream of 
Childhood." 

He was brought into the hospital mortally wounded, 
by the accidental discharge of a musket, although, by 
a false feeling of kindness, one or two of the surgeons 
told him his wound was severe but not dangerous. I 
thought it my duty to undeceive him; and so, sitting 
down beside him, and taking his hand in mine, while I 
brushed back the dark curls from his high, open brow, 
I tried to lead him easily into such a channel of con- 
versation as I desired. I had not conversed lono; with 
him, till he suddenly inquired what I thought of his 
prospects of recovery ? Rather avoiding, for the time 
being, giving a direct answer, I inquired how he felt 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 357 

himself in regard to that matter? He answered, with 
considerable hesitation, that the surgeons told him he 
would get along very well, but that he himself felt 
afraid that he Avould never recover. I noticed, too, 
that his lips quivered, and he drew a long, deep sigh. 
Then he turned his youthful, open face full upon me, 
and sighed again. There was a choking, fluttering 
sensation, which told the intensity of his feelings, and 
he said, " If I was only at home ! " 

Poor boy! Many a hill and valley and mountain 
gorge and broad river lay between him and his home ! 
And the loving ones there were all unconscious of his 
deep distress; and, even before his name would ap- 
pear in the columns of some daily paper as having 
been severely wounded, he would already be " where 
the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at 
rest." I spoke to him of the tender sympathy of 
the infinite Father, of the all-sufficient Savior, who 
was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for 
our iniquities, and how that a full and free salvation 
was offered to all through the death and sufferings of 
the Lord Jesus. I could not get him to say much; 
%o, after praying with him, I left him for a time. In 
a few hours, I called to see him again, and, in the 
course of conversation, endeavored to press home the 
momentous truths of salvation. At last, he opened 
his mind freely, and told me he thought he was once a 
Christian; that he sought an interest in Christ Avhen 
a boy, and felt happy in the belief that he loved the 
Savior, that his happiest hours were spent in the Sun- 
day-school, and that he used to take delight in prayer 
and reading the Scriptures. 



858 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

"I remember, too," said he, ''how my fiither prayed. 
0, chaplain, I had a good father — he 's in heaven now. 
IIow he prayed for ))U', that I might always be good! 
I remember the night that he died — and how happy 
he Avas, and how he sung, ' On Jordan's stormy banks 
I stand,' and how he put his hand on my head, and 
told me to serve God and meet him in heaven I 0, if 
I was as good as my father was, it would, be better 
with me now ! I have forgotten all my promises — I 
have turned my back on Christ — what shall I do ! what 
shall I do ! I "m dying — I know 'I 'm dying, and I 
am afraid to die ! 0, Jesus, have mercy on me, a sin- 



ner 



!^' 



I did not interrupt him till he had given full and 
free vent to his feelings, and then tried to point him 
to the all-sufficient Savior. 

'"Do you think God will have mercy on my poor 
soul?" he exclaimed, in such a piteous tone of voice, 
and with such genuine earnestness, that my own feel- 
ings overcame me, and I could barely say, "Yes, dear 
brother, God is ready 7ioiv to bless you, to forgive you 
all your sins, and make you happy in the enjoyment 
of his love.*' 

"But I have neglected prayer, and backslidden from 
God — I have sinned against light and knowledge. I 
knew better, chaplain, I knew better; for my con- 
science troubled me ; it was God's Spirit striving with 
me. Yes, I kncAV better, for I once loved Jesus. 0, 
Jesus, have mercy on a poor sinner! " 

"Hear God's own answer to your question," said I. 
" ' If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father — 
Jesus Christ, the righteous ; and he is the propitiation 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 359 

for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for tho 
sins of the Avholc world. God so loved tlio world tliafc 
he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believ- 
cth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life.' 
Now, these words are as much addressed to you as if 
there were not another sinner upon earth. Take them, 
as God's OAvn words, to yourself, and remember that 
that dear Savior, whom you say you once served, loves 
you yet, loves you now, and is yearning over you Avith 
the deepest sympathy. lie waits to take away the 
heavy burden from your heart, and give you joy and 
peace in believing. Just come back as a poor wan- 
derer, weary and helpless, and remember you are com- 
ing to your own God and Savior, who knows just 
what you need, and how you feel, and is more willing 
to receive you and forgive you than you are to return 
to him." 

"0, if I was just as happy as I once was; but noAV 
I 'm here, wounded and dying ; and I am suffering so I 
can not think — I try to think about the Savior and 
about salvation — and I try to pray! But, 0, this 
awful pain ! What will I do ! what will I do ! Jesus ! 
Jesus ! what will I do ! " he exclaimed, in the deepest 
agony of body and mind. 

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ — cast your poor 
troubled soul upon the Savior — just place yourself, as 
a poor, helpless sinner, in his hands, and you will bo 
saved," said I, trying to lead his mind to the one only 
source of comfort. 

The agony of this poor sufferer Avas terrible. His 
pitiful groans sunk into my very heart, and made mo 
feel as if I Avas entirely poAverless to do him good. 



3G0 LIGHTS AND SUADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

Sometimes it was difficult to tell "whetlier liis bod- 
ily or mental anguish were greatest. Frequently the 
deep, agonizing groan of bodily pain would end in a 
most pathetic cry for mercy, or a childlike petition to 
be received into the favor of his Heavenly Father. 
Sometimes he turned upon me such a pitiful, helpless 
look — such a look as a drowning child might cast to- 
ward its mother — a look of unutterable meaning, but 
which plainly said, " I'm dying — won't you help me?" 
Seeing that, to all appearance, he was rapidly sinking, 
I urged him to accept the free offer of reconciliation 
to God through the atonement of Christ, and after 
again praying with him, I left him for a little time. 
An hour, perhaps, had elapsed, when I was again be- 
side him. The first words he uttered were : 

"I'm trying to come back to God, and I think that 
he will not cast me off, but I'm afraid." 

"I'm going to ask you one question," said I, "but 
you must not answer it till you think over it. It is 
this — Do you think that God loves you ? " 

He seemed to ponder the question a little, and then 
answered : 

"I think — I think he does love me." 

" Yes," I said, " God loves you dearly, and sympa- 
thizes with you in your gi-eat distress, and is so very 
anxious for your soul's salvation, that he is waiting 
even noAV, this moment, to forgive you all your sins, 
and make you happy in his love. You would believe 
the word of an earthly friend — why can you not be- 
lieve the promise of your own Heavenly Father, Avho 
says, That whosoever believeth on the Lord Jesus 
Christ shall be saved? Just trust in him, just throw 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS 01?' ARMY LIFE. 3G1 

yourself as you are, a poor helpless sinner, into liis 
hands, and you -will be saved." , 

" Is that all I 'm to do ? " said he, musingly ; " and 
yet what else can I do ? Yes, yes, I think I see it 
all. I have been afraid to trust in the promises of 
God; I feel myself to be so unworthy — and I am un- 
worthy, too, a poor, miserable sinner — but now, Jesus, 
dear Savior, I come to thee, a poor, helpless sinner — 

' Here, Lord, I give myself to thee, 
'T is all that I can do.' 

Yes, Lord, it is all that I can do ! " 

Then followed a scene I will never forget to my 
dying day. It Avas night. The temporary hospital 
was an old, dark, dingy house. The candle burned 
dimly, and seemed, by its flickering, uncertain light, to 
make the gloomy surroundings all the more gloomy. 
The poor, mangled soldier-boy lay rolling uneasily from 
side to side. Large drops of cold sweat stood like 
beads on his open brow. Quivering sensations seemed 
to pass through every nerve and fiber of his body, and 
there Avere long, deep, shivering sighs which told of 
the very extremity of mortal anguish. His large, 
bright eye grew dim, and seemed as if looking up from 
a great depth, while that mysterious change of color 
and feature took place, which tells that the wheels of 
life are about to stand still. Suddenly ho threw out 
his arms, and clasped me tightly round the neck, as I 
stooped over him, and exclaimed: 

"What shall I do! 0, chajdain, what shall I do?" 
"Put your trust in Christ, your own Savior, who 
died for you," I replied. 
31 



862 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

"I do believe in Jesus," lie said, "and I tliink he 
•v\-ill save me^-jes, he "will save me; but, 0! what is 
this? — am I dying now? — tell me, am I dying?" 

"Yes, you are dying, dear brother," I answered. 
" You will soon be in the spirit world. Is Jesus near 
you? Have you peace of mind?" 

" It 's all over now," he whispered. " God has, for 
Christ's sake, forgiven me, a poor sinner, and he will 
take me to himself. Good-by, chaplain, good-by — 
a little closer" — he drew me down, and put his cold 
lips to mine — " good-by ; I hope to meet — you in — 
heaven — good-by." 

He fell into a kind of stupor, or what might be 
called an uneasy slumber, and I sat by his side, wait- 
ing; and watching. 

He dreamed. 

He seemed to be again at home, mingling with loved 
ones, for I heard him murmur, slowly and feebly : 

" Mother ! " 

Then he seemed to be praying. He tried to clasp 
his hands, as if, a child again, he knelt at a parent's 
knee, and was repeating his evening prayer. I stooped 
over him, and hstened attentively to every whisper. 
At last I caught a few disjointed sentences, as fol- 
lows : 

" Our Father — who art — this night — I lay me — 
down — 0, Jesus — my Savior — take me — to heaven. 
Hallowed be — thy name." 

There was then a pause, and a deep sigh. The an- 
gel of death had come I The golden bowl was broken, 
and the wheel stood still at the cistern ! Poor, man- 
gled sufferer, he had found Christ, and his dream 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 363 

of childhood's devotions gave place, we trust, to the 
brighter visions of glory, and the songs of salvation !* 

The Sentinel. 

Amid the general routine of camp life, as well as 
amid the exciting and perilous scenes of the battle- 
field, there is much to interest and instruct. There is 
no scene, hoAvever dark, no duty, however perilous, no 
circumstances, however doubtful or ominous, and no 
movement, however complicated or mysterious, but to 
the reflecting mind is significant and impressive. I 
have often thought how appropriate and instructive 
are the frequent allusions in Scripture to the habits 

* While these pages were passing through the press, the author 
■was invited to address a missionary meeting of the Trinity M. E. 
Sunday-school, Cincinnati. Thinking the above narrative would 
be interesting, I repeated it, stating that the young soldier had 
been a scholar in the Sunday-school, and referred to it when 
dying, that I did not know what Sunday-school he had belonged 
to, only that it was one in Cincinnati. At the conclusion of the 
remarks. Rev. Mr. Chalfant, the pastor, said: 

"What was that soldier's name ?" 

"Thomas K. Mitchell," I replied. "He was sergeant-major of 
our regiment. 

"You don't know what Sunday-school he belonged to?" said 
Mr. Chalfant. 

"I do not. He was a member of a Methodist Church and Sun- 
day-school in the city — that is all I know." 

Mr. Chalfant rose, and, with great emotion, said: 

"The soldier we have just heard of, and who died so peacefully, 
although in great sutFering, was a member of this very Sunday- 
school. His sister and mother are, perhaps, not present, but are mem- 
bers of this Church." 

His statement had a thrilling effect. 



864 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

and customs of the camp, and the duties and responsi- 
bilities of the soklier, especially when viewed in con- 
nection with those promises which refer to the blessed 
results of unswerving fidelity to the cause of Christ. 

I had occasion once to be outside our lines, and, be- 
fore it was possible for me to return, night and dark- 
ness had set in. The road was new to me ; it led 
through dark, heavy woodland and rough, rocky hills, 
around deserted plantations and through swamps, cov- 
ered Avith dark, junglo-like underbrush, peculiar to 
Tennessee and Georgia. The night was intensely 
dark and disagreeable, and only added to my feelings 
of anxiety and no little fear. In the language of 
soldiers, " it was no time to be foolin<]i; round amonor 
the pickets." As I came nearer our chain of senti- 
nels, I rode more cautiously, and strained my ear for 
every sound; for careless travelers, and nervous or 
careless sentinels sometimes make mutual and fatal 
blunders. Presently a loud and clear voice sang out, 
sharply : 

"Haiti" 

To move a step further is to hear the click of the 
musket coming to a "ready." 

"Who goes there?" 

"A friend with the countersign," is the answer. 

" Advance, friend, and give the countersign," is the 
next demand. The countersign is given in a low tone, 
with the point of the bayonet within a few inches of 
one's breast. 

"All right!" and we pass on. This is repeated 
three or four times before reaching camp, and once 
there, all is safe. Now, at that very time, there was 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ahmy life. 3G5 

every possibility tluit some of these sentinels belonged 
to my own regiment, and knew my voice perfectly well, 
and were even expecting me to pass through that 
night ; but they were not bound to know me or any 
one else but through the countersign. 

For the time being the private soldier, on his post 
as sentinel, is superior to any one else. All must bow 
to his authority. He is not bound to know any one, 
whatever may be the rank or position occupied. The 
Commanding General, or the President himself, may 
ride up, but he is superior to either of them, and 
neither General nor President can pass without the 
countersign. The darkness which envelops the lonely 
sentinel, and causes him to strain his eyes to see every 
object that is suspicious, throws a vail, also, over rank 
and position, and obliterates all distinctions. He is 
clothed with absolute power, and has life and death in 
his hands. With his gun loaded and capped, he walks 
his solitary beat, and is as absolute, independent, and 
rigid in his exactions as the greatest monarch that 
wears a crown. For the time being his authority is 
supreme, and from his demands there is no appeal. 
Absolute, rigorous, inexorable, he places all persons 
of all ranks on the same common level ; and he causes 
the Major-General, who commands the entire force in 
the field, to dismount from his horse, and give the 
countersign precisely in the same manner as the hum- 
blest private or smallest drummer-boy in the army. 
And not only so, but there is a deference and respect 
paid to the sentinel, which, without any particular law 
or order, seems, by habit and common consent, to be 
considered both necessary and becoming. No one cau 



366 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

stand by and -witness the forms and ceremonies of 
"guard-mounting" without being impressed with the 
idea that those who, for the time being, are on " guard 
-duty " are considered as occupying an honorable and re- 
sponsible position. It seems as if every part of the 
routine tended to impress on the mind of each one of the 
guard that he was honored by being detailed for that 
important duty; that he was considered as worthy of 
all respect; that the lives of his comrades, the safety 
of the army, and even the honor and welfare of his 
country were in his hands, and that the utmost confi- 
dence was placed in his fidelity and courage. I never 
visited a picket-post, nor passed a sentinel on duty, 
but I felt solemn; and as I returned his salute, I have 
felt to say to him, " You have preached to me a better 
sermon than ever I preached to others." 

He holds conversation with no one; he can neither 
whistle nor sing to pass away the time which drags 
heavily along ; he dare not sit down, nor relinquish 
the grasp of his gun. No lights are allowed on the 
picket-line, and on the coldest night he has no fire to 
warm his chilled and weary limbs. Away from his 
comrades, standing at his post alone, perhaps in some 
dark and shadowy ravine, or in some thick woods, the 
enemy in front, watchful, cunning, and ready to take 
any advantage, his position is at once dangerous, har- 
rassing, and honorable. With a firm grasp on the lock 
of his musket, he watches closely every object, peers 
anxiously into the dark shadows in the distance, listens 
attentively to every sound, and is distrustful of all be- 
neath and around him. Only in one direction can he 
look without suspicion, and that is upward to the cold, 



LKillTS AXD SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 3G7 

gray sky, wlierc the stars shine foi-th, in calm and sub- 
lime majesty, like holy Avatchers in the City of God, 
The rustling among the leaves close by, or the quivering 
of the twigs in the nearest tree, may only be the antics 
of some restless squirrel, or the moving of some home- 
less little bird, as it cowers closer under the lee of a 
sheltering branch, or it may be the stealthy tread of 
an enemy, who even now has taken deadly aim at the 
sentinel's bosom. Always cool, calm, and collected, 
yet with every faculty of body and mind strained to 
its utmost tension, and keenly alive to the dangers and 
responsibilities of his position, thus he watclies with 
sleepless vigilance, while his comrades, in the camp 
behind him, repose in comparative comfort and se- 
curity. And thus the weary hours of the sentinel's 
watch pass away, his duty being lightened by the wel- 
come "relief" of comrades on duty with himself. And, 
at last, with what a thrill of gladness does he hail the 
first faint flush of the eastern sky, which tells him 
that " The night is far spent, and the day is at hand I " 
How happy and thankful he is when he sees the 
^'morning star," that bright, beautiful herald of the 
coming day, rising from behind the eastern hills, and 
shedding forth a mild, peaceful radiance amid the de- 
parting shadows of the night I And as the sky grad- 
ually brightens, and the streamers dance upward from 
the rising sun, tinging the rolling clouds with their 
rosy hue, and fringing them with crimson and gold, 
he hears the bugle sounding the reveille in the distant 
camps, and he rejoices in the thought that, ere long, 
he will be relieved from duty, and rest from his w^eary 
watchings. 



308 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF AEMY LIFE. 

Aiul is tilis not a picture of tlie Christian's life ? Is lie 
not a spiritual solJior, engaged in a spiritual conllict, 
and contending for a prize in comparison Avith -wliicli 
all earth's crowns and kingdoms and glories and hon- 
ors are but as the vapors of the summer's morn, or as 
the airy bubbles which float on the troubled stream ? 
Yes, the Christian is indeed a soldier — a soldier for 
Christ; and though his foes are many and poAverful, 
yet he can say, "We are more than conquerors through 
Him that loved us." 

Some of the most impressive and instructive lessons 
of tlie Bible are conveyed to us in the language of 
the camp and field. Sometimes the language is di- 
rect, and has the ring of the actual couilict, as in the 
Psalms of David. At other times, there is merely an 
allusion to military habits and customs, as in son^ of 
the Epistles of Paul. The great apostle himself con- 
cludes "what might be called his testimony, Avith the 
words of a -war-Avorn veteran : 

"I have fought a good fight; I have finished my 
course; I have kept the faith." 

But there is no military duty referred to so fre- 
quently in the inspired volume as that of the sentinel : 

''AVatch ye, stand fiist in the fivith, quit you like 
men, be strong!" 

"Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch 
and be sober." "Be ye, therefore, sober, and watch 
unto prayer." "Watch and pray that ye enter not 
into temptation." "Take ye heed, watch and pray." 
"And what I say unto yon, I say unto all. Watch." 

Such are a few of the many passages to which the 
sentinel or watcher's duty is referred; and when these 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AUUY LIFE. 3G9 

and kindred passages arc studied as they ought to be, 
what a fhjod of liglit is thrown upon the Cliristian's 
character, liis duties and responsibilities! How in- 
tensely anxious to be faithful in all things must the 
apostle have been when he uttered these thrilling 
words: "I, therefore, so run, not as uncertainly; so 
fight I, not as one that beateth the air; but I keep 
under my body and bring it in subjection ; lest that by 
any means, when I have preached to others, I myself 
should be a castaway!" And how tender, yet earnest 
and emphatic, was his injunction to Timothy: "Fight 
the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life where- 
unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good 
profession before many witnesses!" 

When Ave consider the circumstances which surround 
the Christian, the spiritual foes which war against the 
soul, the temptations which must be overcome, the evil 
inclinations which must be subdued, the sins which so 
easily beset us in our onward and upward march to 
glory, and the absolute necessity of a constant, vigor- 
ous, earnest reaching forth toward the prize of full 
Christian attainments — holy happiness in living, and 
happy holiness in dying — how appropriate are the al- 
lusions to military customs, and how impressive are 
the lessons which those allusions teach. 

Dear reader, are you a soldier for Christ? Have 
you gone forth to the great battle of life with him as 
your Leader, your Almighty Protector, and ever-lov- 
ing Friend? If you have, then go forward fearlessly 
and faithfully, for the victory is certain and the reward 
is sure. Remember that life is a struggle, a daily 
conflict, and not a time of repose. Remember that on 



370 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

your head rests not as yet the crown of glory, but the 
helmet of salvation; that as yet you do not wave the 
j^alm of victory in the home of the redeemed, but 
you Avield the sword of the spirit on the battlefield of 
life; that as yet you are not clothed with the radiant 
robes of the conquerors in heaven, but with the armor 
of God upon earth. This, then, is the battle and the 
weary march, and the "watchings oft;" but yonder 
are the final victory, and the gladsome rest, and the 
joyful entrance into the City of God. 0, there are, 
beyond all the fierce conflicts, and the anxious watch- 
ings, and the long, dark nights of sorrow, and the weary 
hours of anxious care, other and brighter scenes ! 

Yonder, yet in the distance, but seen by the eye of 
faith, is the bright, beautiful morning of joy; and yon- 
der are the immortal crowns, and the garments shining 
as the sun, and the harps of gold which roll the melo- 
dies of salvation as a mighty, swelling tide-wave of joy 
and praise through the bowers of Paradise ! And yon- 
der are the evergreen shores of the better land, where 
the pure in heart shall meet again, amid scenes of 
ravishing beauty and fadeless splendor ! Yonder is the 
great White Throne, before which are the innumerable 
company of angels and the spirits' of just men made 
perfect, who serve God day and night in his temple! 
Y'^onder are the fountains of glory which play perpetu- 
ally, and the streams of joy that flow forever, and to 
which the blessed Redeemer will lead his white-robed 
followers, that they may drink and rejoice for evermore ! 
And last, but not least — no, no ! but better, more glori- 
ous, more welcome than all — is Jesus, our dear, blessed 
Savior, for whose presence we have had such myste- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 371 

rious heart-longings, and without whom heaven would 
be deprived of all its beauty and joy ! When He places 
the crown upon the spiritual warrior's head, then the 
•warfare is accomplished, the weary pilgrimage is ended, 
and the tears are forever wiped away. 

Be faithful, dear reader, in the spiritual conflict, for 
victory is certain, and the glorious prize is sure. And 
when thou hast fought thy last battle and thou art 
gone to be with thy Savior, of thee it shall be said: 

"Servant of God ! well done; 
Rest from thy loved employ; 
The battle fought, the victory won, 
Enter thy Master's joy. 



The pains of death are past, 

Labor and sorrow cease, 

And life's long warfare closed at last, 

His soul is found in peace. 

Soldier of Christ ! well done; 

Praise be thy new employ; 

And, while eternal ages run. 

Rest in thy Savior's joy." 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Rebel Barbarities. 

From tlie first shot which the rebels fired at Fort 
Sumter till the present hour, the slaveholders' rebel- 
lion, in all its phases, has been but one continuous and 
fearful history of cowardly brutality and barbarism. 
War, at any time, in any country, and under any 
circumstances, is fearful, ci'uel, and unnatural. But 
fearful, cruel, and unnatural as it undoubtedly is, even 
when conducted with some little regard to the claims 
of common humanity, how terrible must it be when 
vindictive cruelty, that should cause the cheeks of sav- 
ages to blush with shame, is permitted to glut itself 
with insults, injuries, and even death, on a fallen and 
helpless foe! When the atrocities perpetrated dur- 
ing the Sepo'y rebellion in India were made known, 
all Christendom stood aghast at the fearful tale of 
wholesale butchery and fiendish cruelty. It was sup- 
posed that such scenes had never been enacted in the 
history of the world, and, possibly, never would be 
again. But, horrible as the cruelties perpetrated by 
the frenzied Sepoys Avere, they have been completely 
eclipsed a thousand times by the conduct of the rebels 
since they began their causeless and wicked rebellion. 
(372) 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 373 

With but few exceptions, they have never evinced the 
least feeling of honor or mercy — even of common hu- 
manity — toward those of the Union army that have 
fallen into their hands. 

After our army, under Thomas and Sherman and 
Hooker, had driven Bragg from Lookout and Mission 
Ridge, and sent him reeling and discomfited beyond 
the mountain fastnesses of northern Georgia, the 
Chickamauga battlefield was then seen as a terrible 
record of worse than savage brutality. No full de- 
scription of the revolting scenes which our soldiers 
then beheld has ever been given, and probably never 
will. There are various reasons for this, one of which 
is, that there would be needless pain inflicted on the 
relatives of those noble heroes who fell in battle. Long 
after we had driven the rebels back, and our men had 
been burying their dead comrades, who had been de- 
nied the common boon of humanity — a grave — the vis- 
itor would be startled by sights that would make the 
blood chill. Ghastly skeletons, Ijnng exposed to the 
winds of heaven, bare and bleached, could be seen as 
fearful witnesses of rebel inhumanity. Shallow graves 
were found, from which protruded perhaps a bare, bald 
skull, or perhaps the bleached bones of hands and 
feet. A few handfuls of earth, thrown up carelessly, 
and partly washed away by the rains, Avas all that hid 
many of the dead from the light of day. There lay 
members of my regiment, the joy and pride of dear 
domestic circles, concerning whom I have had to main- 
tain silence when dear parents or loving sisters spoke 
of them, because of the manner in which they Avere 
found on that horrid field. They were recognized by 



374 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OP ARMY LIFE. 

their comrades, and what was left of their mutilated 
remains decently buried; but they were recognized 
only from marks on their clothing, and the locality in 
which they fell. In several places we found bodies, 
or rather remains, lying between burned logs, part of 
which — an arm or leg, for instance — was calcined, as if 
subjected to intense heat, while other parts of the body 
were crisp and dry. It is firmly believed by all who 
saw those revolting scenes, that many of our wounded 
were burned alive, horrible as it may seem, for bodies 
were found partly consumed, where the contraction of 
the muscles, and the clenched fingers, seemed to in- 
dicate an attempt to grasp something, while the gen- 
eral appearance gave evidence of a violent struggle of 
some kind. In one place, the body of a Union sol- 
dier was found, with both ears cut off, and in another, 
several bodies from which the heads had been removed. 
These had been set up on stakes and rails of the fences,. 
or fastened on limbs of trees. A few, and but a few, 
graves of Union soldiers were marked. One, in which 
twelve had been buried — a long trench — had a board in- 
scribed "Twelve Union soldiers," and another, prob- 
ably an officer's, was honored with a flat stone, on 
which was marked, " A damned Yankee nigo-er-thief 
lies here to rot and pollute our soil." 

But I forbear. The details are sickening. But one 
thing is certain, the wretches who could descend to 
such a depth of brutality, and be guilty of such aim- 
less, wanton treatment of the helpless wounded or the 
harmless dead, can never escape a fearful retribution 
even in this world; and it is a matter of serious doubt 
whether they Avill ever find a place of repentance. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 875 

Cliickamauga ! Chickamauga ! the horrid Golgotha of 
.Tennessee, where an accursed shivehoklers' treason 
slew the flower of the country, and refused the harm- 
less dead the poor but common boon of humanity, will 
be remembered — yes, with a bitter and terrible remem- 
brance ! And when, at any time, wicked compromisers 
with wrong will even dare to whisper of the rights of 
slaveholders, the veterans of Chickamauga and Mission 
Ridge, and all who are worthy their friendship, will 
fling in their teeth that terrible Avord, Chickamauga, 
and point to the mutilated remains and the ghastly 
skeletons there, which the burning sun and the drench- 
ing rain had bleached — "Unknelled, uncoffined, and 
unknown." 

Our children's children will reverently walk over the 
hallowed field of Chickamauga. They will note with 
interest its historic associations, and listen with thrill- 
ing interest to the tales of heroic bravery which, per- 
haps, some gray-haired sire may tell; they will read, 
too, about the Fort Pillow butchery, and the brutalities 
at Plymouth; they will listen to the horrid tales of 
Andersonville and Libby, where our noble patriot sol- 
diers wore systematically and deliberately tortured and 
starved to death; they will read and study the long, 
fearful narratives of wanton cruelty, and unpitying, 
unrelenting hate, in comparison with which the blind, 
frenzied rage of the Indian Sepoys can scarcely be 
named. And, as they read or hear such tales, they 
will not only leai'n to love their country, but they will 
learn, too, to hate, with deepest hate, the iniquitous 
system of slavery, in the interest and spirit of wliich 
those scenes were enacted. 



370 lights axd shadom's of army life. 

The National Cemetery. 

Not far from Chattanooga are the boautiful groumls 
of the National Milit^iry Cemetery. The location and 
general outlines are all that could be desired for such 
a purpose, -while the facilities for improving and adorn- 
ing -what uill be ti'uly a necropolis o[' patriot soldiers 
are abundant. Seventy acres have been set apart for 
this sacred purpose. The Avork of improvement has 
been in progress since January, 18C)4, and stumps, 
stones, dead timber, and other debris, have been mostly 
removed. Drives ai\d walks have been laid out, and 
the grounds have been divided otV so that soldiers 
from the various states are buried in allotted sec- 
tions. Large numbers of the bodies of those who were 
killed in battle, or who died of wounds or disease, and 
who were buried in the various temporary graveyards 
around Chattanooga and on the field of Chickamauga, 
have been taken up and buried carefully, while prepa- 
rations for erecting a grand National Monument have 
already been made. 

The surrounding scenery is of the most beautiful 
and varied description. On the east and south is 
^Mission Eidge, while on the west rise the dark and 
romantic outlines of Lookout Mountain. A beautiful 
undulating valley, stretching from far away in the 
north-east, sweeps nearly around the gentle slopes of 
the cemetery grounds, and stretches away toward the 
south and west, till it is bounded by the blue, hazy 
mountains in the far distance, behind which the setting 
sun goes down in such splendors as are seen only in 
a southern sky. Many a time I have gazed with rap- 



LTOIITS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 377 

turc on those scenes of surpassing loveliness ; and, 
while standing in deep meditation on the hallowed 
ground where sleep the thousands of our patriot sol- 
diers, I have caught myself soaring away in imagina- 
tion to that land of fadeless splendor, Avhcre war's 
fierce tumult shall never he heard, and where death 
shall he unknown. And as I looked upon tlie varied 
scenery of towering mountains, reflecting back the 
glories of the setting sun — the lesser hills enveloped in 
a soft blue haze which gave one an idea of dreaminess, 
together with the peaceful valley lying in repose and 
beauty, and lighted up with the various tints and mild 
splendors of evening — I have felt to pray, with pas- 
sionate earnestness, "0 God, rebuke the wild waves 
of human passion which are surging to and fro in our 
land, and make man's heart as loving and peaceful as 
thou hast made his earthly home beautiful and pleas- 
ant!" But as I looked at the dread enginery of war 
at my feet and all around me — the frowning embrasures 
and the deep-throated cannon, the huge piles of grape 
and solid shot, the gleaming of the sentinel's bayonet 
in the distance, the various picket-posts, and all that 
pertained to military life — I felt as if we were far from 
that day spoken of by the old prophetic bards, and 
longed for by all of God's children. 

And yet, faith in the visions of those holy men of 
old, faith in the promises of God, faith in the trans- 
forming and purifying influences of the Gospel, points 
with "radiant finger" toward a brighter and happier 
day for our beloved country and for the world at large. 
Even now the dark clouds are measurably driven awa}^ 
and the glad sunshine of happier days yet in store 
32 



378 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

for US, is already streaming forth from our bitlierto 
troubled sky. Let us rest assured that sin Avill not 
always triumph; wrong will not always prosper; op- 
pression will not always unfurl its grim and defiant 
banner, and flaunt it shamelessly in the face of God 
and man. Cold, calculating selfishness will not always 
grind the faces of the poor, nor tahe advantage of the 
sufferings and necessities of the afi^Iicted. ^Yar's fear- 
ful shock will not always be felt, nor its fearful scenes 
always be enacted. Woman, as wife or mother, will not 
always weep in sadness and loneliness for loved ones 
who will return no more. No ; for that God, who rolled 
back the surging waters of the Deluge, and spanned 
the dark and stormy sky with the rainbow arch, will 
roll back the waves of strife, and span our troubled 
heavens with a brighter bow than that of old. Christ's 
banner of Love and Purity and Peace will yet be un- 
furled on every shore, and float on every breeze, while 
the songs of Zion will be heard in every land, and 
shoutings of sacred joy will burst from every lip. 0, 
to be found at work with Christ in hastening on the 
blessed day of the world's restoration to God! Talk 
of honor and position and riches! What honor so 
great, what position so honorable, and what riches so 
endui'ing and satisfying as those that can be gained in 
working for Christ and humanity ! When the brightest 
earthly crown has faded, and the most honorable of 
earth's names have been forgotten, the crown of the 
poorest and weakest of Christ's followers will be shin- 
ing with resplendent glory in heaven, and his name 
will be recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. May 
the reader of these hnes be found amons; those who 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 879 

have labored for Christ and humanity, and who shall 
be accounted worthy to receive that crown and dwell 
forever in the presence of God! 

Courage and Generosity. 

In the foregoing pages, a few, and but a few, of the 
many interesting scenes I have witnessed in the army 
have been depicted. Some of the scenes witnessed, and 
of which, perhaps, but imperfect outlines have been 
given, were very touching and tender. Others were 
more moving and sublimely grand, as exhibitions of 
heroic endurance and bravery. Some again were per- 
haps humorous and amusing ; but, prominent among all 
the moving, panoramic scenery of army life during my 
experiences on the battlefields. East and South, in the 
camp or the hospital, there is one scene, one picture of 
mingled bravery and generosity, that rises before me 
every day. There are some things we never forget ; 
there are some pictures of life so deeply engraven on 
our hearts that they will never be eifaced; and there 
are some, too, that we never wish to forget ; but we 
ratlicr cherish them as precious memories of scenes 
and thoughts and deeds, the remembrance of Avhich may 
have faded from all hearts save our own. What is 
about to be related is one of those incidents which sel- 
dom occur Avithout impressing our hearts with more 
exalted opinions concerning our fellow-men, and it 
might form a fitting close to these Lights and Shadows 
of Army Life, because it is a picture that has no 
shadows at all — it is all sunshine. The background 
may be a little dark, but it will only serve the better 



380 LICJIITS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

to rovonl, in all tlieir brilliancy ami beauty, tlie sun- 
light of generous sympathy whicli falls upon it. 

"While proceeding from the center to the left, -whevo 
our division was hotly engaged with the enemy, among 
the many wounded that were being assisted to the rear 
was a little group — three soldiers — all of whom were 
severely Avounded, and who were slowly wending their 
way from the front. They were linked arm in arm, the 
center one being supported by the other two. The 
soldier thus supported by his comrades was in a sad 
state. His face was covered with blood, and it seemed, 
at first sight, as if part of his head had been torn away. 
On coming nearer I noticed that he must be blind; 
for, if his eyes were not shot out, his forehead seemed 
to be so broken and torn that it v>-as lying in a livid 
mass over his face, exposing, at the same time, his 
brain. One of the two soldiers Avho were assisting him 
had his left arm rudely tied up Avith a handkerchief, 
while with his right he supported his -wounded comrade 
in the center. The man on the right was wounded in 
his right hand, and was evidently suftering very ranch. 
"With his left hand under his comrade's right, he was 
rendering what assistance he could to get him alonof. 
And thus those two noble men, faint with the loss of 
blood — one with a rifle-ball in his arm, and the other 
with part of his hand shot awav — were assistinir a 
third, whose head had been partially laid open by a 
piece of shell, and who was thereby rendered helpless. 

"I wish you would dress this man's wounds," said 
one of them, as I came up; "he can't go much further 
unless something is done for him.'' 

We got him into a fence-corner, and laid him down 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 381 

on the grass. I waslicJ the hlood and dust from liis 
face, replaced the fi-agment of skull that was still at- 
tached by a small piece of flesh, and bandaged the 
Avhole. While having his wound dressed he uttered 
not a single complaint — hardly a groan. Giving hira 
a little wine, I told him he must remain where he was, 
and I would have an ambulance sent to convey him 
from the fiehl. 

''Now, John, you get your Avound dressed," said 
the one whose fingers were shot away. 

"No; I can wait," said his comrade. "You get 
your hand seen to — guess you're suffering more than 
I am." 

"No, I aint. I can wait better than you," said the 
other; but he had to clench his teeth as he spoke, 
nevertheless. 

"Let me look at your hand," said I; for I noticed 
he was suffering like a martyr. 

Two fingers were gone, a third was cut nearly in 
two, the fourth was barely touched. One rifle-ball had 
done the whole work. 

"You need more done for you, my brave fellow, 
than I can do for you here. However, we can try 
to make you a little more comfortable." 

Having put a temporary dressing ui)on his mutilated 
hand, and spoken an encouraging Avord to him, I turned 
to his comrade in l)ravei-y and generosity. 

"0, it's only a llesh wound, that's all!" said he. 
"I'll soon be all right again; but then I'd better take 
care of it, I suppose." 

It was only a flesh wound, but it had bled profusely, 
and, poor fellow, he was quite faint. I noticed he 



382 LIGHTS AND SIIADOAVS OF ARMY LIFE. 

grew tleatlily pale as he laid liis head against a fence- 
rail for support. I got some water for him, and he re- 
vived considerably ; and, in a short time, I got his arm 
dressed temporarily. The truth Avas, that those men 
had nerved themselves Avith the determination to assist 
their helpless and apparently mortally wounded com- 
rade, and had exerted themselves to the utmost verge 
of human endurance in their generous work, and they 
both sank utterly exhausted with the efforts they had 
put forth, and with their own pain and loss of blood. 
In a short time I succeeded in getting two of them 
into an ambulance, the thu'd walked on without any 
assistance. 

I never met with those men again, probably never 
will; but they preached to me the noblest and most 
eloquent sermon on true manliness and Christian effort 
and true self-sacrificing generosity I ever heard; and 
if all the professing soldiers of Christ engaged on the 
great field of spiritual strife would exhibit the same 
generous feeling, the same heroic endurance, in behalf 
of the unfortunate and suffering, Avhat a worldful of 
unselfish, Christ-like love and effort would there be ! 
Whatever may be our circumstances in life, we can all 
do something for Christ and humanity. If we have 
nothing to give for temporal relief, we can at least 
speak a kind Avord, and manifest a sympathizing spirit. 
If Ave can not go forth in the front ranks of the con- 
flict for righteousness and truth, we can at least en- 
courage those who do, and Ave will find it frequently 
the case that words of sympathy and encouragement 
do more good than gold or silver. 



lights and shadows of army life. 383 

Encouragement. 

In the midst of all that is fair and promising in our 
country, there are not a few good people who are dis- 
posed to look upon the dark side of things, and, even 
now, when the rebellion may be said to be crushed, see 
only handwritings of wrath against us as a people. In 
the midst of rejoicing, thej are sad, and they spread 
sackcloth over all the bright and unmistakable tokens 
of God's favor. They say, and they say truly, that 
the entire nation has sinned most woefully ; but the in- 
ferences drawn from this are as incorrect as they are 
gloomy. May not a people repent? Have there not 
been practical manifestations on the part of the people, 
and of the Government, to establish righteousness and 
ti-uth in the land? Has not our starry banner been 
washed of the last and the least foul spot of oppres- 
sion? And is there not in sentiment and action an in- 
finite gulf between the slave oligarchy of the South 
and the nation — yes, the nation at large ? If the 
great heart of the North has not already been touched 
by God's finger, and caused to pulsate, more or less, 
in harmony with the great and good pi-inciples of Je- 
hovah's own government, then the country is gone be- 
yond hope of redemption. For, grant that the North 
has been corrupt, and, in many instances, has connived 
with wrong, the South has for long years been fester- 
ing with the foulest of moral abominations — abomin- 
ations deliberately and systematically pursued, and 
which entered into and influenced all phases of social 
life. If the North has not yet reached the broad and 
elevated platform of a Chi'istian civilization, then the 



384 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

South has been sunk in the very depths of practical 
heathenism, and has been guilty of the crimes of delib- 
erate and persistent barbarism — crimes rendered all 
the more wicked and inexcusable from their being 
committed in this enlightened age of the world. If a 
requisite number of righteous men can not be found in 
the North to save the country from the fate of Sodom 
and Gomorrah — a fate that all the crowned despots and 
aristocrats of Europe have desired to befall us — the 
South assuredly can not produce them, for social life 
in the South has been Sodom itself. And, Avicked as 
the North is — and Avicked we have been, and, alas ! still 
are — yet, in our efforts for truth and freedom, if God 
can not in mercy smile upon us, then Ave may rest as- 
sured that the perfections of his character, the prin- 
ciples of his moral government, his providential deal- 
ings with the children of men in all past ages, and the 
declarations of his OAvn Word, forbid the thought that 
he can smile upon the South in her insane and God- 
dishonoring eflbrt to establish human bondage on this 
continent; and therefore, in either case, the fate of 
the nation is sealed. 

But, far from taking any such dark views of this 
matter, Ave ought to feel the rather encouraged and 
hopeful. The truth is, that the nation, as such, is noAV 
in a more healthful, hopeful state, in all respects — in 
political purity, ardent patriotism. Christian benefi- 
cence, financial soundness, and in all that pertains to 
national greatness — than at any time since the first 
stone of Freedom's temple was laid by our Revolu- 
tionary fathers. True, a fcAV years ago, there Avere no 
tumults nor wars in our midst. No armed battahons 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 385 

were seen going forth to engage in deadly strife, with 
those born under, and protected by, the same dear old 
flag. All was order and peace ; but it was the peace 
of moral death. It was like the order, decorum, and 
stillness which reigned among the dry bones which lay 
bleaching in Ezekiel's Valley of Vision. There was 
little to disturb the harmony and peace which prevailed 
while moral and political death was holding high car- 
nival, and feeding on the very heart of the nation. 
But as the ancient Seer of Israel was commanded to 
prophesy, and say, "0, ye dry bones, hear the word 
of the Lord," so likewise has the awakening, quicken- 
ing voice of God been sounding through the nation, 
and a strange, fearful shaking has been the result. 
The nation has been aroused as no nation has ever 
been aroused before, and the noise we have heard, and 
the tumults we have seen, have been the noise and tu- 
mult of our country's resurrection. From one end of 
the land to the other, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 
we have heard the din and tumult of an exceeding 
great army aroused from inglorious and fatal slum- 
ber by the reveille of Jehovah ; and that army, under 
his protection and leadership, has been rolling back 
the proud and defiant hosts of robbery and oppression. 
True, the confusion has been great, and the sky over- 
head has been dark, and the lurid flash of the thunder- 
bolts of war has been seen athwart the gloom, and 
men's hearts have often been failing them for fear. 
And there are many stricken hearts, too, in the land, 
that will never be healed till they drink of the crystal 
streams of glory; and there are many eyes dim Avith 
tears, that will never be bright till they look upon the 
33 



386 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

face of Jesus, and the fadeless beauties of the better 
land; but, notwithstanding all these, God has been 
working in a most signal manner for the honor of 
his name, and the glory of his power in the redemp- 
tion of our country, and for freedom throughout the 
world. What we are in special need of just now is 
faith in God — faith in his wisdom to guide and govern 
the world ; faith in his power to overturn every op- 
posing institution that retards the progress of his 
kingdom upon earth ; faith in his unwavering love for 
the children of men, and his benevolent designs in 
their behalf; and faith in his declarations concerning 
the purposes and plans of the wicked, that they shall 
all be defeated, and it shall be seen that verily God 
reigneth. 

"Deep in unfathomable mines, 
Of never failing skill, 
He treasures up his bright designs 
And works his sovereign will." 

But this is not all. It is refreshinsr to know that 
there are, in our country, thousands and tens of thou- 
sands of noble, generous souLs who feel, more than ever, 
that the greatest wealth is the wealth of good deeds, 
kind words, and noble and ennobling effort in behalf 
of righteousness and truth ; and that, while sordid 
selfishness has been looking at every political change 
or public calamity with a view to extortion and self- 
aggrandizement, there has been seen, among the masses 
of the people, the development of a purer and nobler 
spirit. This is one of the most hopeful signs of the 
times — one of the most beautiful tints in the rainbow 
of hope and promise which has been, and still is, span- 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 387 

ning the moral and political horizon in our days of 
gloom and peril. And may it not be that God has 
been working out a great problem that has often baffled 
and perplexed the earnest men and women of our 
land; namely, how the people were to be educated 
for, and brought to stand upon, the broad platform of 
Christian generosity and beneficence ! How the all- 
devouring lust of gain, which, for years, had been 
threatening our religious and benevolent enterprises, 
could be subdued, and a healthy, high-toned spirit of 
Christian liberality be infused into the masses of the 
people! Our God is a wonder-working God, and it 
will be seen, by the present generation, that he does 
cause the wrath of man to praise him — :not only by 
confounding the plans of the wicked, and bringing 
their devices to naught, defeating them in their efforts 
to protect and perpetuate wrong and outrage — but 
also by bringing out the latent principles of Christ- 
like love and Christ-like beneficence on the part of his 
own Church and people. Since this war commenced 
there has been more genuine liberality, more hearty, 
earnest charity exhibited by the people at large, than 
ever has been known in the history of the nation. The 
truth is, that the world has never furnished such in- 
stances of patient, persevering labor — such perfect 
outgushings of genuine sympathy — in behalf of a na- 
tion's soldiers, as the loyal states of our nation have 
exhibited during these years of war and bloodshed. 
Hundreds of thousands of the noble women of our 
land have been plying the busy needle, rolling band- 
ages, making lint, preparing fruits, wines, and other 
delicacies and comforts, for the sick and wounded in 



888 LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE. 

the field and hospital; and, although the calls upoii 
their labors and charities have been incessant, they 
have met every demand with a cheerfulness and zeal 
•which tell how deeply they have been interested in the 
nation's great struggle. All honor to them for their 
noble and persevering efforts! Perhaps my position 
and experience in the army enable me to speak more 
decidedly as to the good the various aid societies have 
accomplished, and are accomplishing, through the Sani- 
tary and Christian Commissions ; for, in numberless in- 
stances, I have been Avitness to the fact that the sick 
and wounded would have been entirely destitute but 
for the timely aid of those blessed institutions. 

May the fountains of practical benevolence, so fully 
and gloriously opened up during the days of tumult 
and war, not be like the rain-season wells of the desert, 
which furnish refreshment to the weary traveler only 
for a short time, but may they be like the perennial 
fountains whose sources are deep in the mountain's 
bosom, which flow on and flow ever, as well in summer 
as in winter, and around which are the green verdure, 
the blooming flowers, and the cooling shade of the 
stately palm. Let us cherish, then, fiiith in God, and 
work with him and for him earnestly, lovingly, perse- 
veringly. Let us work " until the Spirit be poured 

UPON us FROM ON HIGH, AND THE •WILDERNESS BE A 
fruitful field, AND THE FRUITFUL FIELD BE COUNTED 
FOR A FOREST. ThEN JUDGMENT WILL DWELL IN THE 
WILDERNESS, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS REMAIN IN THE 
FRUITFUL FIELD ; AND THE WORK OF RIGHTEOUSNESS 
WILL BE peace; AND THE EFFECT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 
QUIETNESS AND ASSURANCE FOREVER." 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX. 



There are some matters of a more limited, or, per- 
haps, local interest, with which it has been considered 
not best to burden the main body of this work, but 
which might be thrown into an appendix. There are 
many points of historic interest connected with the 
Eleventh Ohio Regiment which its members, and those 
who had friends in any way connected with it, would 
be glad to see placed on record. Neither to avoid 
these, nor yet unduly obtrude them on the attention 
of the general reader, has bee^ the aim of the au- 
thor. Nevertheless, he has too much respect for his 
comrades in arms, with whom he was associated in the 
camp and on the battlefield, and he has too many en- 
dearing remembrances of their valor and patriotism, 
as Avell as of their respect and kindness, to exclude 
from this little work a tribute of praise, or, if nothing 
more, an expression of kind remembrance. 

When this part of the work was first projected, the 
intention was to have a list of all who belonged to the 
regiment so arranged that the military history of each 
man would be given, but this plan had, finally, to be 
abandoned, as it would have swelled the work far be- 
yond .any reasonable size. A list of all the commis- 

(391) 



892 APPENDIX. 

sioiied officers and non-commissioned staff is given, as 
also a list of those killed in action or who died of dis- 
ease. 



C^ 



Field and Staff, Eleventh Regiment O. T. I. 



C. A. De ViLLiERS, Colonel. Commissioned July (5, 18G1. Dis- 
honorably dismissed the service, in accordance with the sentence 
of a general court-martial, approved by General Fremont in Gene- 
ral Order No. 16, April 4, 18G2. 

P. P. Lane, Colonel. Promoted from Captain of Company K. 
Date of commission as Colonel, September 17, 1862. Resigned and 
relieved from duty November 3, 1863. 

Joseph W. Frizell, Lieutenant-Colonel. Commissioned July 6, 
1861. Resigned and relieved from duty December 21, 18G1. 

Augustus H. Coleman, Lieutenant-Colonel. Was appointed 
Major upon the original organization of the regiment. Promoted 
to Lieutenant-Colonel January 9, 1862. Killed in action at Antie- 
tam, Maryland, September 17, 1862. 

Ogden Street, Lieutenant^Colonel. Promoted from Captain of 
Co. C September 17, 1862. Was in command of regiment from 
November 3, 1863, till regiment was mustered out at the expira- 
tion of term of service, June 21, 1864. 

Lyman J. Jackson, Major. Promoted from Captain of Co. — , 
Thirty-first Regiment 0. V. I., to Major Eleventh Reg. 0. V. L, 
January 9, 1862. Resigned and relieved from duty November 4, 
1862. 

Asa Higgins, Major. Promoted from Captain of Co. G October 
1, 1862. Was mustered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. 

J. F. Gabriel, Surgeon. Commissioned July 7, 1861. Resigned 
and relieved from duty September 21, 1862. 

J. McCuRDY, Surgeon. Promoted from Assistant Surgeon of 
Twenty-third Regiment 0. V. I. to Surgeon Eleventh Regiment, 
October 15, 1862. Appointed Medical Director, June, 1864. 

H. Z. Gill, Assistant Sui'geon. Commissioned July 7, 1861. Re- 
signed and relieved from duty July 29, 1862. 

S. Hudson, Assistant Surgeon. Commissioned July 9, 1862. Re- 
signed September 26, 1862. 

A. C. MoNuTT, Assistant Surgeon. Commissioned July 11, 1862. 
Resigned February 8, 1863. 



r 



APPENDIX. 393 

N. H. SiDWELL, Assistant Surgeon. Commissioned December 1, 
18G2. Mustered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. -. 

George W. Dubois, Chaplain. Commissioned July 10, 18G1. ; 
Resigned and relieved from duty January 31, 1862. 

W. AV. Lyle, Chaplain. Commissioned January 31, 1862. Mus- 
tered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. -^ 

J. H. HoRTON, Adjutant. Commissioned June 14, 1861. Re- 
signed and relieved from duty June 16, 1862. 

J. E. Alexander, Adjutant, vice Horton, resigned. Promoted 
from First Lieutenant, Co. B, June 12, 1862. Mortally wounded at 
the battle of Bull Run, Va., August 27, 1862. Subsequently died 
in United States Hospital, Alexandria, Va., October 20, 1862. 

Robert C. Morris, Adjutant, vice Alexander, died of wounds. 
Pi'omoted from Second Lieutenant of Co. K June 16, 1863. Pro- 
moted to Captain September 9, 1863. Assigned to Co. I Decem- 
ber 3, 1863. Mustered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. 

Milton H.Wilson, Adjutant, vice Morris, promoted. Promoted 
from Sergeant-Major September 9, 1863. Mustered out with regi- 
ment, June 21, 1864. 

J. D. Shannon, R. Q. M. Appointed Regimental Quarter-master 
July 7, 1861. Resigned August 16, 1861. 

E. H. Price, R. Q. M., vice Shannon, resigned. Appointed from 
First Lieutenant of Co. C August 5, 1861. Relieved from duty as 
Regimental Quarter-master December 18, 1861. 

J. W. McAbee, R. Q. M. Commissioned November 29, 1861, 
Entered on duty as Regimental Quarter-master December 18, 1861. 
Appointed as Topographical Engineer on General Turchin's Staff, 
, 1864. Mustered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. 

Non-commissioned Staff. 

T. K. Mitchell, Sergeant-Major. Appointed July 20, 1861. 
Relieved from duty January 3, 1862. Reappointed May 23, 1862. 
Died of wounds, received by accidental discharge of rifie, January 
9, 1863. 

P. R. Way, Sergeant-Major. Appointed January 3, 1862. Re- 
lieved from duty May 23, 1862. 

M. H. Wilson, Sergeant-Major, vice Mitchell, died of wounds. 
Promoted from Quarter-master Sergeant January 11, 1863. Pro- 
moted to Adjutant September 9, 1862. 



394 APPENDIX. 

D. C. Stubbs, Sevgeant-Major, vice Wilson, promoted. Ap- 
pointed from Sergeant Co. IJanuary 1, 18G4. 

0. Ckissinger, Quarter-master Sergeant, vice Wilson, promoted. 
Appointed from Co. C January 11, 18GS. 

T. L. WiNSLOW, Commissary Sergeant, Appointed March 1, 

1862. Promoted to Second Lieutenant , 1864. Mustered 

out with regiment, June 21, 1864. 

Joshua Harden, Hospital Steward. Appointed , 1861 

Mustered out with regiment, June 21, 18G4. 

Henry Hart, Drum-Major. Appointed July 20, 1861. Dis- 
charged, on account of disability, January 25, 1864. 

Company Officers. 

C. J. Childs, Captain Company A. Appointed June 14, 1861. 
Resigned May 6, 1862. 

T. L. P. De Frees, Captain Co. B. Appointed June 20, 1861. 
Resigned August 26, 1861. 

0. Street, Captain Co. C. Appointed July 1, 1861. Promoted 
to Lieutenant-Colonel September 17, 1862. 

J. V. Curtis, Captain Co. D. Appointed June 19, 1861. Re- 
signed April 25, 1862. 

W. L. Douglass, Captain Co. E. Appointed December 19, 1861. 
Resigned September — , 1862. 

S. Johnson, Captain Co. F. Appointed June 14, 1861. Re- 
signed September 17, 1861. 

R. B. Harlan, Captain Co. G. Appointed July 9, 1861. Re- 
signed July 19, 1861. 

Asa Higgins, Captain Co. G. Appointed July 23, 1861. Pro- 
moted to Major October 1, 1862. 

John C. Drury, Captain Co. H. Appointed June 17, 1861. 
Resigned December 19, 1861. Subsequently reentered the service 
in the Ninety-fourth Regiment 0. V. I., and was killed in action 
at Perryville, Ky. 

J. P. Staley, Captain Co. L Appointed August 9, 1862. Re- 
signed June 16, 1863. 

P. P. Lane, Captain Co. K. Appointed July 7, 1861. Promoted 
to Colonel September 17, 1862. 

G. W. Hatfield, Captain Co. A. Appointed January 9, 1862. 
Promoted from First Lieutenant. Resigned , 1863. 



APPENDIX. 895 

A. Duncan, Captain Co. B. Appointed August 20, 18G1. Pro- 
moted from First Sergeant. Mustered out with regiment, Juno 
21, 1864. 

E. II. Price, Captain Co. C. Appointed September 17, 1862. 
Promoted from First Lieutenant. Mustered out with regiment, 
^ June 21, 1864, 

H. L. Seymour, Captain Co. D. Appointed April 18, 1802. Ke- 
signed , 1862. 

L. G. Brown, Captain Co. E. Appointed August 2, 1862. Mus- 
tered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. 

S. Teverbaugh, Captain Co. F. Appointed November 12, 1861. 
■Promoted from First Lieutenant. Mustered out with regiment, 
June 21, 1864. 

A. H. Chapman, Captain Co. G. Appointed October 1, 1862. 
Promoted from First Lieutenant. Kesigned , 1864. 

J. B. Weller, Captain Co. H. Appointed May 1, 1862. Pro- 
moted from First Lieutenant. Resigned April 18, 1863, on account 
of disability from wounds received at Antietam. 

R. C. Morris, Captain Co. I. Appointed September 9, 1803. 
Promoted from First Lieutenant and Adjutant. Mustered out with 
regiment, June 21, 1804. 

G. Johnson, Captain Co. K. Appointed September 10, 1862. 
Promoted fi-om First Lieutenant. Resigned, on account of dis- 
ability from wounds, December 20, 1803. 

E. C. Jordan, Captain Co. A. Appointed October 3, 1803. 
Promoted from First Lieutenant. Mustered out with regiment, 
June 21, 1804. 

D. L. Layman, Captain Co. D. Appointed November 20, 1802. 
Promoted from First Lieutenant. Mustered out with regiment, 
June 21, 1864. 

D. K. Curtis, Captain Co. H. Appointed October 3, 1863. Killed 
in battle at Mission Ridge, Ga., November 25, 1863. 

C. LoNGLEY, First Lieutenant Co. A. Appointed October 3, 1863. 
Mustered out with regiment, June 21, 1804. 

J. D. Shannon, First Lieutenant Co. B. Appointed June 20, 

1861. Resigned August 23, 1861. 

W. K. YouNO, First Lieutenant Co. C. Appointed October 1, 

1862. Resigned May 25, 1863. 

Silas Roney, First Lieutenant Co. E. Appointed December 19, 
1801. Resigned May 11, 1862. 



396 APPENDIX. 

N. S. McAbee, First Lieutenant Co. F. Appointed November 12, 
1861. Resigned June 12, 1862. 

C- B. LiNDSEY, First Lieutenant Co. G. Appointed July 23, 1861. 
Resigned April 19, 1862. 

C. N. HoAGLAND, First Lieutenant Co. H. Appointed June 17 

1861. Resigned November 12, 1861. 

F. M. Anderton, First Lieutenant Co. I. Appointed August 9, 

1862. Resigned March 22, 1863. 

T. L. Steward, First Lieutenant Co. I. Appointed August 8, 

1863. .Promoted from Second Lieutenant. Mustered out with 
regiment, June 21, 1864. 

G. P. Darrow, First Lieutenant Co. K. Appointed July 7, 1861. 
Resigned November 5, 1861. 

C. J. CoTTiNGUAM, First Lieutenant Co. K. Appointed Decem- 
ber 26, 1861. Resigned , 1862. 

J. E. Alexander, First Lieutenant Co. B. Appointed August 
26, 1861. Appointed Adjutant June 12, 1862. Died of wounds 
received in action, October 20, 1862. 

J. H. Horton, First Lieutenant Co. — . Appointed June 14, 

1861. Appointed Adjutant July 19, 1861. 

C. J. McClure, First Lieutenant Co. K. Appointed June 5, 

1862. Resigned March 15, 1864. 

T. Cox, First Lieutenant Co. K. Appointed June 17, 1862. 
M. L. Edwards, First Lieutenant Co. C. Appointed November 
20, 1862. Mustered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. 

J. C. Kiefaber, First Lieutenant Co. D. Appointed October 3, 

1863. Mustered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. 

G. E. Peck, First Lieutenant Co. E. Appointed August 20, 1862. 
Killed at Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863. 

G. S. Swain, First Lieutenant Co. F. Appointed October 3, 1863. 
Promoted from Second Lieutenant. Mustered out with regiment, 
June 21, 1864. 

P. A. Arthur, First Lieutenant Co. G. Appointed September 
17, 1862. Mustered out with regiment, June 21, 1864. 

C. P. AcHUFF, First Lieutenant Co. H. Appointed September 17, 
1862. Resigned May 2, 1863. 

A. L. CoNKLiN, Second Lieutenant Co. K. Appointed June 16, 
1862. Promoted from Sergeant. Mustered out with regiment, 
June 21, 1864. 



APPENDIX. 397 

J. W. La Rue, Second Lieutenant Co. A. Appointed June 14, 
1861. Resigned September 1, 18G1. 

J. G. Buckingham, Second Lieutenant Co. B. Appointed No- 
vember 29, 1802. Resigned June 1, 1863. 

G. S. Hardenbrook, Second Lieutenant Co. B. Appointed June 
23, 1863. Mustered out witli regiment, June 21, 1864. 

H. M. Wilson, Second Lieutenant Co. C. Appointed July 1, 

1861. Resigned November 10, 1861. 

W. Crubaugii, Second Lieutenant Co. C. Appointed December 

26, 1861. Resigned , 186-. 

S. A. Collins, Second Lieutenant Co. E. Appointed June 3, 

1862. Resigned , 186-. 

W. 11. H. Gaiiagan, Second Lieutenant Co. D. Appointed June 
19, 1861. Resigned October 28, 1861. 

S. Williams, Second Lieutenant Co. D. Appointed December.26, 

1861. Resigned April 19, 1862. 

L. C. HoLABiRD, Second Lieutenant Co. D. Appointed June 5, 

1862. Transferred to another department May 5, 1863. 

J. E. Elliott, Second Lieutenant Co. E. Appointed December 

19, 1861. Resigned June 12, 1862. 

W. M. CuLBERTSON, Second Lieutenant Co. E. Appointed May 
1, 1862. 

John Roney, Second Lieutenant Co. G. Appointed November 
1, 1862. Mustered out with regiment. 

Joseph Pearson, Second Lieutenant Co. 11. Appointed October 

20, 1862. Mustered out with regiment. 



Liist of Deceased Officers and .Soldiers, Eleventh Regi- 
ntcnt O. V. I. 

Lieutenant-Colonel A. H. Coleman. Killed at Antietam, Md., 
September 17, 1862. 

Adjutant John E. Alexander. Died of wounds received at 
Bull Run, Va., October 20, 1862. 

First Lieutenant G. E. Peck. Killed at Mission Ridge, Novem- 
ber 25, 1863. 

Captain D. K. Curtis. Killed in action at Mission Ridge, No- 
vember 25, 1863. 

Charles Allen, Company A. Killed at Mountain Cove, Va., 
August 25, 1861. Buried at Hawk's Nest. 



398 APPENDIX. 

John Hammond, Co. A. Killed iu action at Antietam, Md., 
September 17, 18G2. 

Aubrey Hatfield, Co. A. Died of disease, October 11, 1861, 
Remains sent to his home. 

Adolphus L. Schwartz, Co. A, Died of disease, October 5, 
1861. Buried at Gallipolis, 0., 

John Wroe, Co. A. Killed at Cotton Hill, Va., November 10, 
1861. 

Daniel Banion, Co. B. Killed while on picket at Cotton Hill, 
Va., November 10, 1861. 

Robert Batchelor, Co. B. Killed at Gauley Bridge, Va., No- 
vember 10, 1861. 

James Roach, Co. B. Killed in action at Mountain Cove, Va., 
August 20, 1861. 

Stephen B. McDaniel, Co. C. Died of disease, October 19, 1861. 
Buried at Gallipolis, 0. 

Henry Brown, Co. C. Died of disease, August 9, 1861. Buried 
at Gallipolis, 0. 

John Johnson, Co. C. Died of disease, November 20, 1863. 
Buried at Summerville, Va. 

James McCreary, Co. C. Killed in action at South Mountain, 
Md., September 14, 1862. 

John Sinnings, Co. C, Died of disease, November 8, 1861. 
Buried at Gallipolis, 0. 

John C. Travis, Co. C. Died of disease, September 11, 1862. 
Buried at Washington, D. C. 

John V. Wolverton, Co. D. Died of disease, September 20, 

1861. Buried at Fayetteville, Va. 

Archibald Darrow, Co. D. Died of disease, September 9, 1861. 
"Buried at Troy, 0. 

John L. Palmerston, Co. D. Died of disease, September 15, 

1862. Buried at Washington, D. C. 

RoswEL S. Wagner, Co. E. Died of disease at Raleigh, Va., 
June 7, 1862. Remains sent to his home, Troy, 0. 

John Baker, Co. E. Killed at South Mountain, Md., September 
14, 1862. 

Frederick Henry, Co. E. Died of disease, February 18, 1862. 
Buried at Point Pleasant, Va. 

James Westfall, Co. E. Died of disease, February 7, 1863. 
Buried at Point Pleasant, Va. 



APPENDIX. 399 

Oliver S. Bolser, Co. F. Died of disease, January 21, 1862. 
Remains sent to bis home. 

George W. Kirk, Co. F. Died of disease, March 3, 18G2. He- 
mains sent to his home. 

James Wolfe, Co. F. Died of wounds received at Antietam, 
Md., September 18, 1862. Buried at Frederick, Md. 

James H. Channell, Co. G. Died of disease, November 7, 18G1. 
Remains sent to his home. 

John R. Henry, Co. G. Killed at South Mountain, Md., Sep- 
tember 14, 1862. 

Henry G. Keenan, Co. G. Killed by falling off railroad cars, 
August 26, 1862. 

John G. Smithson, Co. G. Died of disease, August 9, 1861. 
Buried at Gauley Bridge, Va. 

Solomon R. Byrkett, Co. H. Died of disease, February 14, 
1862. Buried at Troy, 0. 

LuDWiG Hartstein, Co. H. Killed at Rich Creek, Va., August 
25, 18G1. 

Andrew F. Thompson, Co. H. Died of wounds received at South 
Mountain, Md., October 8, 1862. 

Thomas Vandyne, Co. H. Died of wounds received at Tyler 
Mountain, Va., July 25, 1861. 

Jacob M. "VVentz, Co. H, Killed at South Mountain, Md., Sep- 
tember 14, 1862. 

John Boss, Co. K. Killed at South Mountain, Md., September 
14, 1862. 

William A. Fowler, Co. K. Died of disease at Point Pleasant, 
Va., January 24, 1862. 

Benjamin Stearns, Co. K. Died of disease at Cincinnati, 0., 
July 15, 1861. 

John Schlosser, Co. K. Killed at South Mountain, Md., Sep- 
tember 14, 1862. 

John Werner, Co. K. Killed at Antietam, Md., September 17, 
1862. 

Corporal Charles W. Wright, Co. K. Killed at Antietam, Md., 
September 17, 1862. 

Jacob Beck, Co. I Died of disease at Summerville, Va., De- 
cember 27, 1862. 

Sergeant-Major Thomas K. Mitchell. Killed, by accidental dis- 
charge of a rifle, January 9, 1863. 



400 APPENDIX. 

James Melanet, Co. D. Died of disease, March 12, 1863. 
Buried at Carthage, Tenn. 

Perry Carter, Co. D. Died of disease, April 19, 1863. 
Buried at Carthage, Tenn. 

John R. Dixon, Co. G. Died of disease, April 12, 1863. 
Remains sent to his home. 

Jesse C. Bartholomew, Co. H. Died of disease, April 22, 1863. 
Buried at Carthage, Tenn. 

Joseph P. Weller, Co. I. Died of disease, February 23, 1863. 
Buried at Nashville, Tenn. 

Frederick Lucre, Co. B. Died of disease, May 22, 1863. 
Buried at Carthage, Tenn. 

Charles Segar, Co. D. Died of disease. May 18, 1863. Buried 
at Carthage, Tenn. 

George Anderson, Co. D. Died of disease, May 29, 1863. 
Buried at Carthage, Tenn, 

Henry C. Day, Co. A. Died of disease, May 6, 1863. Buried at 
Nashville, Tenn. 

Thomas H. Fall, Co. I. Died of disease, May 17, 1863. Buried 
at Carthage, Tenn. 

Jacob Reif, Co. K. Died of disease, May 19, 1863. Buried at 
Columbus, 0. 

Rensselaer Carson, Co. K. Died of disease. May 25, 1863. 
Buried at Carthage, Tenn. 

Henry Baudendistle, Co. A. Killed by accidental bursting of 
a shell, June 20, 1863. 

J. F. Colther, Co. E. Died of disease, June 3, 1863. Buried 
at Carthage, Tenn. 

Ephraim a. Morrow, Co. F. Died of disease, June 2, 1863. 
Buried at Carthage, Tenn. 

J. Funk, Co. H. Died of disease, May 2, 1863. Buried at 
Louisville, Ky. 

J. F. Kemper, Co. I. Died of disease, June 5, 1863. Buried at 
Carthage, Tenn. 

Sergeant Thomas Shain, Co. I. Died of disease, June 25, 1863. 
Buried at Carthage, Tenn. 

George Williams, Co. A. Died of wounds received by acci- 
dental bursting of a shell, July 21, 1863. 

William Allen, Co. K. Died of disease, July 19, 1863. Buried 
at Murfreesboro, Tenn. 



APPENDIX. 401 

Joseph Wyrtck, Co. A. Died of wounds received by accidental 
explosion, August 14, 18G3. Remains sent to his home. 

Martin Scheeler, Co. B. Died of disease, August 15, 1863. 
Buried at University Place, Tenn. 

Corporal David L. Brosius, Co. C. Died of disease, August 8, 
18G3. Remains sent to Salem, 0. 

Frederick Kujimer, Co. B. Died of disease, September 20, 
1863, and left on field at Chickamauga, Ga. Died in an ambu- 
lance during battle. 

Patrick Murphy, Co. B. Killed on a reconnoissance, at Chatta- 
nooga, Tenn., September 24, 1863. 

Sergeant George Cart, Co. D. Killed at Chickamauga, Ga., 
September 20, 1863. 

Charles Gehrch, Co. E. Died of disease at Trenton, Ga., Sep- 
tember 18, 1863. 

Corporal William B. Crowell, Co. I. Killed in action at 
Chickamauga, Ga., September 20, 1863. 

Peter Kewen, Co. I. Killed in action at Church Mound, Ga., 
September 17, 1863. 

Joseph Brinke, Co. K. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Ga., 
and died at Andersonville, Ga., , 1864. 

Marion Powell, Co. K. Killed in action at Chickamauga, Ga., 
September 20, 1863. 

Sergeant Jacob R. Sterritt, Co. D. Died of wounds received in 
action at Chickamauga, Ga., October 22, 1863. 

George S. Taplet, Co. B. Killed at South Mountain, Md., Sep- 
tember 14, 1862. 

Manville Hoglb, Co. B. Killed at Mission Ridge, November 
25, 1863. 

John H. Peck, Co. I. Died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., 
October 5, 1863. 

Jacob H. Boon, Co. H. Died of wounds received in action at 
Mission Ridge, December 9, 1863. 

E. DoLD, Co. K. Died of disease, October 18, 1863. 

Conrad Scheeler, Co. B. Killed in action at Mission Ridge, 
November 25, 1863. 

Louis Boon, Co. C. Died of disease at Louisville, Ky., April 
19, 1864. 

Sebastian Callahan, Co. C. Died of disease, February 12, 
1864. 



402 APPENDIX. 

W. Brandon, Co. D. Drowned at Gallipolis, 0., February 25, 
1862, 

Elias Bainet, Co. D. Killed in action at Mission Ridge, No- 
vember 25, 1863. 

John Vancamp, Co. D. Died of wounds received in action, Oc- 
tober 22, 1863. 

Samuel Lippincott, Co. F. Died of disease, November 10, 
1863. 

John B. Roberts, Co. G. Died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., 
January 30, 1864. 

Hiram Partlow, Co. H. Died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., 
April 4, 1864. 

Michael Hoath, Co. K. Killed in action at Mission Ridge, No- 
vember 25, 1863. 

Marion B. Wolf, Co. I. Died of wounds received in action, 
December 6, 1863. 

Simeon Shidler, Co. I. Died of wounds received in action, De- 
cember 13, 1863. 

G. L. MuRPHT, Co. I. Died of wounds received in action, No- 
vember 26, 1863. 

Noah Sams, Co. I. Died of disease, February 27, 1863. 

George Smith, Co. K. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, and 
died at Andersonville, Ga., , 1864. 

William Reamer, Co. H. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 20, 1863. Died at Andersonville, Ga. 

Charles Martin, Co. A. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 20, 1863. Died at Danville, Ga. 

Isaac Avery, Co. B. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 20, 1863. Died at Danville, Ga. 

William Cart, Co. D. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 20, 1863. Died at Andersonville, Ga. 

Martin Williams, Co. D. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, 
September 20, 1863. Died at Danville, Ga. 

W. H. H. Boyle, Co. E. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 20, 1863. Died at Andersonville, Ga. 

John Collier, Co. G. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 20, 1863. Died at Andersonville, Ga. 

Henry McKnight, Co. G. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Sep- 
tember 20, 1863. Died at Andersonville, Ga. 



APPENDIX. 403 

John Hicks, Co. G. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, Septem- 
ber 20 18G3. Died at Andersonville, Ga. 

John Cakbondale, Co. H. Taken prisoner at Chickamauga, 
September 20, 1863. Died at Richmond, Va. 

Charles Morris, Co. H. Taken prisoner at Cliickamauga, Sep- 
tember 20, 1863. Died at Andersonville, Ga. 



THE END. 



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THE ODD FELLOWS' MINSTREL: 

A Collection of Odes for the Use of the Fraternity on Anniversary Occa- 
sions, Dedications, Social Reunions and Festivals, Funerals, 
Lodge Meetings, Corner-stone Ceremonies, Public 
Installations, etc. 
Edited by J. FLETCHER WILLIAMS, 
Of St. Paul, Minn., Past Grand Secretary, and Grand Representative from 
Minnesota in the Grand Lodge of the United States. 
32mo., pp. 153. Flexible Cloth, 75 cts. 



INCIDENTS OF THE WAR: 

HUMOKOUS, PATHETIC, AND DESCRIPTIVE, 

Bt alf. buenett, 

Comic Delineator, Army Correspondent, etc. 
1 vol., 12mo. Illustrated. Paper, 75 cts. Cloth, $1.25. 



NELSON'S MERCANTILE ARITHMETIC, 

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A Hand-book for Merchants, Bankers, Manufacturers, Mechanics, Farm- 
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Br RICHARD NELSON, 

President of Nelson's Commercial College, Cincinnati. 

Cloth, $1.25. 



SHAKSPEARES COMPLETE WORKS: 

Comprising his Dramatic and Poetical Works, accurately printed from 

the text of the corrected copy left by the late George Steevens, 

Esq., with a Glossary and Notes, and a Memoir, by 

Alex. Chalmers, A. M. 

ILLUSTUATED WITH HISTORICAL STEEL ENOEAVINQS 

1 vol., 8vo., 828 pages. Library Binding, $4.50. Turkey Antique, $9.00. 



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THE VAGARIES OF VAN DYKE BROWN; 

AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN VERSE. 

By WM. p. BRANNAN. 

1 vol., 12mo. Printed at the Riverside Press, and neatly bound. §1.75. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF ARMY LIFE; 

OR, PEN PICTURES FROM THE CAMP, THE BATTLEFIELD, 
AND THE HOSPITAL. 

'By rev. "W. W. LYLE, Chaplain U. S. A. 

1 vol., 12mo., 410 pp. Printed on superfine paper, and beautifully 

bound in Cloth, f 1.75. 



DISCOURSES FROM THE PULPIT. 

By rev. WM. M. DAILY, 

Late President of Indiana University, Chaplain U. S. Army, etc. 

1 vol., 12mo. (In Press). 



Fillmore's Mnsic Boobs. 

THE POLYPHONIC; OR, JUVENILE 
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Containing a great variety of Music and Hymns, both New and Old. 

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By a. D. FILLMORE. 

$1.50 per copy. $12 per dozen. 



THE TRIAL OF C. L. VALLANDIOHAM BY A 
MILITARY COMMISSION; 

And the Proceedings under his Application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, 
in the Circuit Court of the U. S. for the Southern District of Ohio. 

CONTAINING : 

General Order No. 38 — Order of Arrest — Military Commission — Charges 

and Specifications — Protest of Vallandigham — Finding and Sentence 

of the Military Commission — Application for a Writ of Habeas 

Corpus — Statement of Major-General Burnside — Arguments 

of Hon. Aaron F. Perry and Hon. Flamen Ball for the 

Government, and Hon. George E. Pugh for the 

Prisoner, with the Opinion and Decision of the 

Court, by Honorable H. H. Leavitt, 

1 vol. Paper, 75 Cents. Law Sheep, $2. 



A Standard TForb on Consumption. 

A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON PHTHISIS 
PULMONALIS; 

Embracing its .Pathology, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, 

Br THE LATE L. M. LAWSON, M. D., 

Professor of Clinical Medicine in the University of Louisiana; formerly 

Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medieine ia 

the Medical College of Ohio, etc. 

lvol.,8vo. Sheep, $3.50. 



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